E.Miller Paving Contractors "specialise" in block paving and driveways. Recently I had a knock regarding drives and patios. I wanted a new patio and these guys said they could do it. The boss came back Saturday and gave the usual hard sell. I said I needed everything in writing. I wanted a nice patio, with a plastic membrane to stop weeds growing through. He said ok and payment would be fine after the job was finished. The job would take 3 days. To my surprise Miller and his team appeared at 07:15am on the Monday. I should have been suspicious atarting a big job like this so quickly. Miller disappeared leaving an old guy and a Polish guy to remove my old patio and front garden bricks. Miller appeared at the end of the day and started hassling me for money. I did say I would pay on completion as he specified. He sulked and I didn't see anyone Tuesday. Wednesday Jewson delivered bricks, sand and misc stuff. A vast amount of noise and mess. There were 4 foreign gentlemen plus Miller. With so much going on it was a problem to see all they were doing. I noticed the Plastic Membrane was NOT fitted as I asked. I was assured this was ok. After more work they find "problems". Two manhole covers need replacing at a further cost of £600. I declined and the price came down. After much hassling me I reluctantly agree one manhold cover for £250. The patio has a funny curved slope and not flat and a few other problems. I ended up just paying the guy to get rid of him. He is a nasty cowboy of the worst kind. He will not take cheques, has no website, won't give any details and is just a sham.

The trail of desaster he left is appalling. They broke my front wall (he hit it with his jcb). It is now leaning over. They did not bother to drill two holes for my gates so now I can't shut them. They blocked my drain. I had to call out Dyno-Rod which cost £150. When these guys pulled up the new manhole cover they found Miller had left the old one underneath. Dynorod flushed out all the sand and rubbish that Miller had blocked it with. I also noticed my phone wasn't working. I contacted Virgin Media who sent an Engineer. He found Miller's guys had damaged the cable in my front garden. This will cost me £99 to have fixed. I am having to use my mobile for everything.

I know I was seriously ripped off but just curious. The manhole covers are around £40 so where did he get the £600 for two? Glad I only had one done. The whole thing is like this. I have no reciept, a small sheet with some brief stuff which is my order and "guarantee". I'm not sure regarding any Driveway Regulations and drainage. It's just a nightmare!

E.Miller Paving Contractors, Unit 46 Tenter Road, Moulton Park Industrial Estate, Northampton NN3 6PZ. Tel. 01604 807889. I don't EVER what to hear from you again. I recommend everybody avoid like the plague.