A HEALTH worker is taking legal advice after his complaint about "bully-boy" bailiffs failed.

Stuart McDonald was allegedly confronted by two bailiffs at his home in Congers House, Bronze Street, Deptford, at 9.30am.

The pair demanded cash for council tax arrears from a person Mr McDonald says he has never heard of.

He claims they forced their way in, despite his attempts to tell the men he was not the person they wanted.

According to the 58-year-old, they aggressively demanded identification and refused to leave.

The Greenwich Primary Care Trust worker, who has lived at the address for four months, said: "I opened the door and one of them put his foot in the way to stop me closing it and forced his way in.

"They were aggressive and threatening, like real bully-boys.

"If they hadn't acted in such a way, I'd have given them identification, but why should I be treated like this in my own home?"

Mr McDonald called the police who made the men leave.

He added: "I still had to show identification.

"Lewisham Council shouldn't be employing such aggressive people.

"I've paid council tax since I moved in. Council records must have shown the man was no longer here."

After the January 31 incident, Mr McDonald complained to Bromley-based bailiff company Goodwillie and Corcoran.

He also complained to Lewisham Council, which investigated the incident but says it will not be taking action.

Mr McDonald is now seeking legal advice and has made a complaint to trading standards.

A council spokesman said: "He was visited regarding unpaid council tax for a previous occupier. If no other address is available, the bailiffs will visit the last known address."

Denis Goodwillie, senior partner at Goodwillie and Corcoran, said: "Once it was established there was a new occupier, we withdrew and took no further action."

WHAT CAN BAILIFFS DO?

  • You do not have to open your door to bailiffs by law.
  • They must make a peaceful entry and cannot use force to get in.
  • If they have made a peaceful entry and know the person they are looking for is there, they can force their way in on a second visit.
  • Bailiffs collecting unpaid council tax need written authorisation from the local authority.
  • Visit citizensadvice.org.uk