BT threaten to call bailiffs over couple's 1p bill

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A couple were threatened by BT that they would face bailiffs and be cut off if they did not settle their bill - for one pence.

Margaret Winyard, 58, and her husband Joseph, 69, received a third and final warning letter on Monday, despite offering to pay the outstanding charge.

The couple said they have been receiving the bills ever since taking part in a free digital television trial, which they subsequently cancelled because of poor reception.

They said they have tried to settle the account, but were told it was too small or that BT had no record of the account.

Mrs Winyard, said: ‘When we first tried to pay BT told us we did not owe anything.

‘Then we got another bill telling us that they will disconnect all our services within 10 days and put us in touch with a debt collection agency.

‘It's just a penny. I asked if I could put it on our direct debit and they said they could not do that. It is ridiculous.’

Amy Walker, spokeswoman for BT, said a senior customer representative would look into the issue as soon as possible.

‘We would like to apologise for any inconvenience and distress experienced by Mr and Mrs Winyard.’