Britain's most famous conservatory up for auction (From The Argus)

Britain's most famous conservatory up for auction

11:50am Sunday 8th June 2008 in News By Ruth Lumley

The most famous conservatory in Britain is up for auction and helping to raise money for the Argus Appeal.

The conservatory has been donated by builder Nigel Gray who knocked down a customers porch and took back his conservatory window pane by window pane when he was left £15,000 out of pocket.

In April, The Argus watched as Nigel Gray took a sledgehammer to Anita Dovey's porch and dismantled the conservatory, worth £11,000, at her home in Elizabeth Road, Shoreham, after she repeatedly failed to pay for the work.

Mr Gray's efforts did not go unnoticed and his story hit national headlines as well as appearing on websites all over the world.

He was on BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel Five news as well as making the main story on pages in most national newspapers.

To thank The Argus for the coverage, which brought him national notoriety, he has given the conservatory he took back from Mrs Dovey's property to the Argus Appeal.

He said: "The Argus has been fantastic and highlighted the issues with the rogue customers.

"It's the Argus Appeal's 50th anniversary and I want to give something back to the community for all the support I have had from them.

"It has been unbelievable all the support we have had, from every person out there."

The Argus Appeal provides help to those in need throughout Sussex by giving money for a variety of benefits and causes, in particular disadvantaged children, the elderly, the vulnerable, people with disabilities and any other person group or charity considered by the trustees to be appropriate for a fund allocation which will make a difference.

All the building materials, bricks, plasterboard, oversite, screed and electrical cable is being supplied by Wolseley PLC, a builder merchants, in Bristol Gardens, Kemp Town, Brighton.

Manager Karen Locke said: "I just think it's fun. It's a lovely idea and it's all for charity. It is also nice to be able to work with Nigel."

Since the story broke Mr Gray has set up a website - www.roguecustomer.com - with a fellow builder who is in a similar situation.

It enables them to hear about customers and contractors who have failed to pay for work, affecting the lives of families in the building trade.

The website allows builders to report customers or contractors who fail to pay for work they have signed up for.

There is also a petition asking people to support a change in the law to better protect the building industry.

To bid for the conservatory just collect the bidding form in the Argus or click here. Terms and conditions below. Terms & Conditions The conservatory you are bidding on is:

• Edwardian shaped conservatory 4480mm projection 3100mm wide
• Heatguard polycarbonate roof with roof vent
• Floor area 10.89m2
• 600mm dwarf wall all round
• 4 x double power points and cable and centre light
• Nigel Gray will supply and fit the conservatory and carry out all work to a finish.
• Conservatory carries a 10 year guarantee
• Electrical work certificated
• In the event of planning permission being necessary, this will remain the responsibility of the purchaser
• All building materials have kindly been donated by Wolseley Building Centre