Blows from sofa

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A pensioner who took on furniture giants ScS has won the latest round of a long-running battle against the retailer.

Jack Jones complained about a £5,000 suite brought from the Sunderland-based chain.

Jack, 78, and his wife Rita, 74, of Sheriff Hill, Gateshead, said a repair failed to resolve a complaint about sagging cushions.

But, as we reported earlier this year, he felt the complaint hit a brick wall because ScS are not in the fur- niture ombudsman scheme.

However, the ombudsman did carry out a report which found Jack’s complaint to be justified and suggested another repair.

Non-members are not obliged to listen to the report but ScS said they would have another look at the case.

The report said: “The consumer’s complaint is justified.

“The cushion has softened excessively and has been previously repaired by the store by fitting a booster pad under the seat which is not a satisfactory repair as it does not improve the support of the original cushion.

“The technician recommends a new seat interior and booster pads to be removed.”

Jack said he was pleased the report came out in his favour and vowed to continue his battle.

He said: “I had a meeting with trading standards, they took a copy, and said they would be in touch with ScS to see what they were prepared to come up with.

“We are just waiting to see what the next move is.”

If ScS had been a member of the ombudsman service it would have had no choice but to act on the report.

The company says it has not joined up because it prefers to deal with customer complaints on its own.

Jack Jones of Sheriff Hill is complaining his sofa from SCS is uncomfortable. SCS refuse to join the Furniture Ombudsman scheme which could benefit Mr Jones.

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