A struggling pensioner left out of pocket after a Wagga business abruptly closed their “gates” claims she was left without an explanation or a refund for a week.
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Wagga’s Fencing and Gate Centre closed for business this month, leaving Cheryl Whiting chasing the completion of her fence or her $700 deposit.
It is not known how many others have been left out of pocket.
After The Daily Advertiser took over the fight with the company on Wednesday, Mrs Whiting received a call arranging a fence to be delivered from Canberra within two weeks, or a refund of her deposit.
She originally paid the hefty deposit for the new fence to be erected outside her property on April 19.
Despite promises the fence would be finished within 10 days, almost a month later the fence still hadn’t come to fruition.
Group financial controller Mary Kinnon said the business was no longer running from the Wagga store but they still owned the premises until the end of next month.
“We’ve informed all customers we have closed via email,” Ms Kinnon said.
“We haven’t received any complaints from a Wagga customer wanting their fence or deposit refunded.”
After making unsuccessful calls, Mrs Whiting received a call saying the business had “gone bust”.
“I wanted to make the home safer for our family but it’s come back to bite me,” she said.
Since being offered the new fence installation, Mrs Whiting said she would give the business “the benefit of the doubt” and would wait the two weeks to see if her fence would arrive.
Mrs Whiting believes a number of Wagga residents would likely have been left out of pocket by the business’ disappearance.
“There would be more people out there in this situation,” she said.
A NSW Fair Trading spokesman said customers “dissatisfied in their dealings” should first contact the business.
“Try to resolve the matter with the trader in the first instance,” the spokesman said.
“Customers unable to resolve their issues are advised to lodge a written complaint with NSW Fair Trading.”
The Fencing and Gate Centre operates out of Queensland, with stores across Australia.