Pay me with a loo roll - says Essex plumber

NHS staff and keyworkers can pay what they like in the lockdown say Rosendales Plumbers. Picture: Cooper Rosendale (Image: Archant)

A plumber has said that his customers can pay him with a toilet roll during the coronavirus crisis.

Call out charges have been waived by the firm.

Rosendales Heating, based near Dunmow, has put out a message on Facebook saying that during the pandemic, it’s pay-what-you-like for the vulnerable and the over 70s - people working for the NHS and keyworkers.

Says Alec Rosendale, 35, who runs the business with his wife Cara: “If we can fix the problem without parts, then for those people, the price you pay is up to you. We will even accept a toilet roll.”

He said: “This is a distressing time for everyone, the last thing you want to worry about, is having an expensive call-out charge.

“We have decided that during this pandemic we will not be charging a call-out charge for any service.

“Our message is Stay safe, shop local and we are all there to help each other, not to take from each other.”

He explained: “We live in Great Easton. It’s such a community village. So many people are doing things to help so we thought we would give a bit back.”

The firm was set up six years ago and Alec says: “We don’t advertise, all our work is by word of mouth.

“We are a family business. When we arrive somewhere, we always talk to people about what we are doing so they know why we are doing it.

“Since the pandemic, I’ve heard plumbers say they are going to triple their charges.

“Well, people aren’t going to ask them back. I like to think if we get a customer, we will keep them for life.”

When the shutdown began, the couple, who have two children aged six and four, equipped their van with protective clothing, masks and alcohol rub.

But despite this, Alec said a lot of work previously booked in has been cancelled during the lockdown.

“I could stay at home doing nothing or I can go out and help,” Alec said.