SIR: We had NYNEX to install Cable Television about two years ago. After being given what we thought was a very good offer, I thought we could not refuse. Soon after we also had them install a telephone line. All went well, although their charges soon went up.

Then, one nice Sunday afternoon after working in the garden we realised our phone was not working. Unlike good old BT, when you telephone the NYNEX office you pay for the call. This would not have been so bad, if when the call was answered I hadn't been put in a queue until all my money had run out before I had even spoken to someone. After two more calls and spending a small fortune, (you know what one-arm bandits are like), we eventually had a call from one of their engineers. Then he broke the news to us. The cable had been cut off while digging the garden. What? Are we expected to let our garden become a wilderness to protect their cables? We discovered later than the cables were just below the surface.

Then it got worse. After being told it would be repaired the following day we stayed at home in readiness. No one arrived. The next day, as no one arrived in the morning I went into town to the NYNEX shop. This was cheaper than using the public telephone. There I was told it was being repaired that afternoon. While in town I attempted to phone home a few times to see if it was working. No! When I got home it still had not been restored. TWO DAYS later a friend offered to ring for us. She was told that someone had called the previous day. A surprise to us as someone was home all day. We were then told it would be done the following Tuesday. It was eventually repaired but we were without our telephone for a total of nine days.

Back on line I contacted them to tell them I expected compensation or they could disconnect all services. The only response I have had is an acknowledgement. I am now back with BT.

Despite telling them that we would not pay any of their bills, Direct Debits being cancelled, we are still connected. What are they playing at?

Colin A Williams

Church Street, Little Lever

NYNEX have replied: "We are aware of Mr Williams' case and confirm that it is presently being dealt with by our Customer Services Group Manager who has already been in correspondence with the resident. We have apologised to Mr Williams for the inconvenience caused by the unfortunate disruption to his telephone service and confirm that we will be contacting him further to discuss any outstanding issues".

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.