THE COMPANY at the centre of a three year long row over a Blackheath resident’s wetroom as hit back at criticisms of its workmanship.

Former Blackheath Councillor Mary Docker and local mother Lisa Hughes complained that D Groves Ltd and Sandwell Council caused endless problems after a wetroom was fitted. However, David Groves is furious his company has been dragged into the spat and claimed his company did no wrong.

He said: “We carried out the work, which was approved and signed offby the Sandwell officer who was assigned to that particular client.

“Therefore there would be no problems when the work was completed, not as indicated from Councillor Docker that it was leaking from day one.

“We were not ware that there were any problems with the wet room until 12 months after we had installed it when a meeting was arranged on site with a Sandwell Officer and ourselves to look at the alleged leak. We were made aware at this stage that water was running from the shower area - not leaking - to the bathroom door, this being due to the fact that shower screens had been omitted from the specification due to lack of space.

“The Sandwell officer suggested that we await official instruction as to the best way to remedy the water problem. We did not receive any instruction and approximately twelve months later we were again approached by Sandwell Council concerning the same problem and the same outcome occurred as outlined above.

“Approximately three months after the second meeting when Councillor Docker contacted Sandwell Council we were approached again concerning the same issue.

This time with pressure from Sandwell Council who were being pressurised by Councillor Docker we were instructed to level the floor and install shower doors which were omitted from the original specification at our cost.”

He added: “Councillors Docker's comments that the wet room had leaked for three years, was incorrect and we would also state that her comments 'initially the contractors denied liability but with perseverance and countless phone calls from me I set up a site meeting' is totally untrue as our company log every incoming telephone call and needless to say we have no record of one single telephone call from Councillor Docker she was in fact speaking with the Council and not with our Company.”

He added: “Councillor Docker's statement in the paper is without doubt a one sided view of events which we find offensive and damaging to our reputation.”

Despite Mr Groves broadside Mary Docker totally stands by her original comments concerning Lisa Hughes problems.