Hero builders come to pensioner's rescue (From Sutton Guardian)

Hero company AEF Building Services come to Wallington pensioner's rescue

1:00pm Thursday 27th September 2012 in News By James Pepper

A woman who was left with a leaky porch by cowboy builders has had it repaired for free thanks to a Sutton Guardian appeal.

Thelma Townsend, 77, was left devastated when dodgy workmen failed to do a decent job on her porch in Apeldoorn Drive, Wallington, then charged her £1,600.

Despite the leaks, when she tried to get the problems fixed under insurance, it emerged she had been sold the incorrect insurance package and was not covered.

But now, thanks to an appeal through the Sutton Guardian and her neighbour Ian Pike, a generous builder has come forward and carried out the repairs for free.

Mrs Townsend, said: "I'm so pleased someone has come forward to help me. Its been a difficult couple of years since it happened, especially when you are on your own. I trusted the builders who did the first work ad they took advantage. It's just nice to know there are still honest builders out there. It is so much warmer in the house now."

Neighbour Ian Pike, who asked the public for help said: "AEF Building Services have been brilliant to help Thelma. Not every company are cowboy builders, its the few that give the industry a bad name."

Daniel Alexander from the company said: "It was a pleasure to help and it's lovely that she has called me twice to thank me. I was just so pleased to be able to make her feel some sort of closure on this and make the job safe and warm for her."