A couple billed by Fife Council for ripping out a kitchen that never existed have had their invoice scrapped after The Courier stepped in but no direct apology.
Jim (62) and Norma (61) Ritchie were stunned when Fife Council demanded a four-figure sum, accusing them of removing a fitted kitchen when they moved out of their house in St Andrews.
In the three decades they had lived there the pair, who have now moved to Chopwell, near Newcastle, made do with second-hand cupboards and appliances given to them by friends.
The only part of the kitchen in their Watson Avenue home that was fitted was the sink, which they left behind. The rest they were advised to take away or they would be billed for removal.
Since The Courier told their story three weeks ago, the council has performed a U-turn and deleted the bill of £3420 for the supply and fit of kitchen worktops and units.
Although relieved, Jim said, “There was no apology. We just got an envelope with the bill in it saying the bill was cancelled in its entirety as per the maintenance team leader.”
Thanking The Courier for its coverage, he said the story on November 12 helped to resolve the situation.
Mr and Mrs Ritchie, who both suffer from arthritis and had moved to be nearer their eldest son, were distressed by the bill. They expected they would be charged for minor rectifications needed to the property, including replacing some light switches and fittings, but never thought they would be asked to pay for the luxury kitchen they never had.
Mr Ritchie is registered disabled and Mrs Ritchie is his full-time carer.
The council’s maintenance and improvement team leader Keith Brown said, “On investigation it was clear that Mr and Mrs Ritchie had been unfairly charged for this work. We have since changed our processes to make sure that this situation doesn’t happen again.
“Apologies have been sent to Mr and Mrs Ritchie through their son, who was dealing with this on their behalf, and we will make sure a personal apology is also sent to them.”