AN angry salon owner has hit out at communication giant BT because her telephone line has been down for more than a week - losing her vital business.

Craig Robinson

AN angry salon owner has hit out at communication giant BT because her telephone line has been down for more than a week - losing her vital business.

Linda Blacklock, who runs Lou Lou's in Saxmundham High Street, has been without a phone since last Thursday, August 13.

Last night the 56-year-old said she was disappointed with the treatment she has received from BT, which is responsible for the line.

She first lost connection on July 24 but was back up and running a few days later.

However the problems started again in the middle of last week and she is still without a phone, which means her customers cannot contact her to book appointments.

“The first time BT gave me a temporary number but it was no good because none of my customers knew what it was so they couldn't get in touch,” she said. “Now it's happened again and the problem hasn't been sorted out.

“It's incredibly frustrating because I'm losing customers. I've already had one or two move elsewhere. Plus I'm paying staff to be there and they've got nothing to do.

“It's just a stress and a hassle that I don't need. Things are difficult enough at the moment anyway; this is the last thing that I want.”

Last night a spokesman for BT apologised for the delay and said he hoped it would all be sorted out by today.

“We are working on this problem which seems to have been caused by some confusion with the provision of a new line at the flat at the premises,” he said. “We are attempting to keep Linda updated, and we also apologise for the delay in resolving this.

“We are doing all we can to get this all sorted as quickly as is possible and are aiming to have the line working correctly by close of play tomorrow.”