A shed painting contractor is refusing to accept a crossed cheque from a midlands farmer and is demanding cash or an open cheque instead, I hear.

The contractor painted the farmer’s sheds five weeks ago.

When negotiating in advance of the job, the two agreed that payment would be made eight weeks after the work. But the farmer claims that the paint was barely dry before the contractor asked for payment.

The farmer gave him a cheque – but when the contractor saw that it was postdated ahead for eight weeks he became aggressive. The farmer then gave the contractor another cheque bearing the current date, but crossed it, requiring the contractor to lodge it in his own bank account.

Open cheque

But the contractor has refused to accept this and is continuing to demand payment by cash or an open cheque.

Be careful out there.