A WORDSLEY business boss has had his windows smashed by vandals and says shop staff have been harassed since a pensioner staged a one-man peaceful protest outside - claiming he had been ripped off.

Police have reportedly been down to Wordsley Green on several occasions since 86-year-old Terry Aston began a silent protest, sitting quietly with a placard, outside Kitchen Doors and Worktops on Friday September 18 - unhappy at how he claims to have been treated.

Mr Aston, who is battling cancer, had ordered new kitchen doors, a new cooker and a fridge freezer from the village business, but he said six weeks on he's still waiting for parts to complete the work and he claims to have been charged for extras that he said he was unaware of when he agreed to the purchase.

Tony Holmes, owner of Kitchen Doors and Worktops, refutes the claims - saying they are "unsubstantiated" and he said he has tried to reach an agreement with Mr Aston, having visited his home to meet with him and the pair have also exchanged letters.

Pictures of great-grandfather Mr Aston sitting outside the shop were uploaded to Facebook and the pensioner's plight garnered much sympathy from passersby and people in the community.

He said: "I've had hundreds of messages. I was doing no wrong. I'm telling the truth, I will swear on the Bible."

But Mr Holmes says the social media coverage has resulted in a backlash against the business at Wordsley Green and his windows have since been smashed and a member of staff harassed on her way into work.

He said: "It's been distressing for staff."

Mr Aston said he alerted police himself when he began his silent demonstration, to advise of his intentions, and he stressed he has caused no trouble or disruption. He claims he was threatened by people defending the business and a passerby called police.

He said he did not condone criminal damage against the shop and said he simply wanted a refund for the amount he claims to have been overcharged by.

Trading Standards is now investigating the matter.

Councillor Nicolas Barlow, Dudley Council's cabinet member responsible for trading standards, said: “Anyone who has a complaint or dispute about work completed should contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/if-you-need-more-help-about-a-consumer-issue/ or call the helpline on 08082 231133.”