A MAN has criticised BT over repairs that he says caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage to his roof.

Mike Reed said contractors working for the telephone company were carrying out repairs when they left a hole in a vinyl roof that covers his kitchen extension.

BT had asked permission to get access to an overhead phone line connecting his and the neighbouring property.

Mr Reed, of Grosvenor Terrace, Trimdon Colliery, County Durham, said that when he contacted the company to ask them to repair the damage, he was told to do it himself and claim through the firm's legal department.

He said: "My worry is if there is a downpour, as the hole is directly above the kitchen electrics.

"I spent about four hours on Saturday trying to get hold of someone at BT, and eventually they refused to even come out and check it.

"Someone should take responsibility. I got a manager on the phone who was very rude and I have been also been passed between people in Truro, Glasgow and Birmingham and got nowhere."

A BT spokesman said: "We apologise if any inconvenience has been caused. We are aiming to investigate this matter and will be keeping in touch with the customer."