A HOLSWORTHY couple are urging caution to customers, after a purchase dispute with a national DIY chain nearly saw them over £1,000 out of pocket.

David Haywood, who served 16 years in the airforce and 10 in the private defence industry, and his wife Judy, moved into their Holsworthy home around six weeks ago. Having spent some time enjoying the area, they decided to make the move to West Devon, travelling back to the UK from Crete.

Their problems started when they purchased two bathroom suites from the Launceston branch of Focus. Having spent over £1,100 and being told to expect delivery of the items within two to three weeks, they were shocked to discover soon after that the company's financial difficulties had left them out of pocket.

Focus filed for administration on Thursday, May 5 leaving the couple in a position where they would have neither the suites or the money they had invested in them, due, David said, to discrepancies between the company, administrators and the delivery firm.

Refusing to accept they would lose the money they had paid, the couple spent hours on the phone searching for a solution. But weeks of 'toing and froing' saw them become exasperated at the situation, and they decided enough was enough.

Find out if the couple were successful in their appeal in this week's 'Post'.