Saga of the Aga which even an ‘expert’ failed to re-light

Published: 1 October, 2010

• REGARDING the row with a gas fitter from Skanska, other Aga-owning residents also had bad experiences, and will, like me, feel sympathetic to the couple you wrote about (Four hours in cell after row with gas fitter, September 24).  

The so-called expert who was supposed to re-light my Aga clearly knew nothing about them. 

I do not believe he had ever lit one before, and he resolutely refused to read the instructions. 

I  managed to prevent him doing damage to mine, but I know others who were not so fortunate.

ROSEMARY HANSON
Colebrooke Row, N1

• FURTHER to your article which told of the Murphys’ ordeal at the hands of contractor Skanska, I should like to register my own complaint. In the course of its work in Noel Road, Angel, it has cost me independent gas engineers’ fees and caused damage to my home. 

And perhaps we could look into prosecution on the grounds of vandalism? I am assuming that the swathes of spray-painted symbols strewn over the pavements will be with us for quite some time after the company has saddled up and left.

S JALILI
Noel Road, N1

• DO I feel sorry for John Murphy for being arrested after a row with a Skanska employee? Not very.  

There are two sides to every story. Utility employees are under no obligation to endure abuse, obstruction or threats from the public while going about their duties, although, unfortunately this is not uncommon. Who knows what unpleasant past experiences were on the fitter’s mind when he phoned 999?

However frustrated one may feel dealing with a utility company, it is neither good manners or productive to take it out on the next person in the chain. 

Mr Murphy should have taken his nose out of his book, sorted out his complicated door lock and maybe made a mental resolution to learn how to light his own Aga.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED