Like Dinkiburns a letter from a debt collection agency (am I allowed to name them?) was delivered yesterday (20th April) - don't you just hate these arriving at the weekend when nothing can be done until the Monday causing no end of worry over the weekend.
Anyhow, they allege that one of my children owes just over £53 that must be paid within 7 days - I have to say that the content of their letter was a little threatening (could be 'named in the local paper'). Background - one of my children had travelled on Merseyrail on 6 Feb without their term pass and when they realised went to a Merseyrail member of staff to explain and offered to pay for the journey. Unfortunately, as is standard procedure a £20 FP was issued, minus £3 fare that was handed over, leaving £17 owing. The staff were very nice and said to appeal enclosing a copy of the rail pass and the FP would be cancelled and £3 would also be refunded. The appeal was successful and the letter said the fare would be reimbursed. However, this has not been forthcoming. The Merseyrail FAQ given to my 'child' clearly says that failure to pay or failure to successfully appeal would result in Merseyrail sending a reminder letter - this was never received.
A carefully and appropriately worded email has been prepared to send to the DCA, with a copy going to Merseyrail tomorrow morning. But my pleasure will be when I ring both companies before posting just to let them know what I think .... And also to chase the £3 - worth the two phone calls! http://www.railforums.co.uk/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif
Anyhow, they allege that one of my children owes just over £53 that must be paid within 7 days - I have to say that the content of their letter was a little threatening (could be 'named in the local paper'). Background - one of my children had travelled on Merseyrail on 6 Feb without their term pass and when they realised went to a Merseyrail member of staff to explain and offered to pay for the journey. Unfortunately, as is standard procedure a £20 FP was issued, minus £3 fare that was handed over, leaving £17 owing. The staff were very nice and said to appeal enclosing a copy of the rail pass and the FP would be cancelled and £3 would also be refunded. The appeal was successful and the letter said the fare would be reimbursed. However, this has not been forthcoming. The Merseyrail FAQ given to my 'child' clearly says that failure to pay or failure to successfully appeal would result in Merseyrail sending a reminder letter - this was never received.
A carefully and appropriately worded email has been prepared to send to the DCA, with a copy going to Merseyrail tomorrow morning. But my pleasure will be when I ring both companies before posting just to let them know what I think .... And also to chase the £3 - worth the two phone calls! http://www.railforums.co.uk/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif
