A PROPERTY management company is taking a man to court to claim payment for work on his home which has not been carried out.

Five years ago Darren Gibson, 31, who bought his property through the right to buy scheme, asked the company which manages council housing if he could replace a set of windows in his Vincent Road flat, in Highams Park.

Ascham Homes agreed and the work was completed, but in 2006 it contacted him to say it was going to replace the windows in the entire block.

Mr Gibson reminded the company that his had already been replaced at his own expense, but in September 2006 he was billed £2,333.

He has refused to pay and has asked Ascham Homes to take him to court.

He said: "I think its disgusting. I am prepared to fight but I know that there are other leaseholders in the same situation who have paid them £3,000.

"I feel sorry for the pensioners who have handed over their hard-earned cash."

He added that Ascham Homes had not made it clear to him which windows they would be working on.

A spokeswoman said: "When a council property is bought on a leasehold agreement, the terms of the lease clearly state that the leaseholder is required to make their contribution to the cost of works carried out to all properties in the block.

"When a leaseholder informs Ascham Homes that they intend to carry out work to their property, they are now sent a letter reminding them that this does not excuse them from their obligation to contribute to the cost of works.

"Ascham Homes now also produce a factsheet reiterating these rules to leaseholders. Ascham Homes retains the council's rules and procedures under which there are a number of ways leaseholders can spread the cost of their contribution.

"The court has upheld the approach taken by Ascham Homes under which Mr Gibson was charged for his contribution of £2,333 to the works.

"Ascham Homes has acted in a sound and legal manner, according to the terms and conditions set out in the leasehold agreement."

Mr Gibson will appear at Edmonton County Court on Monday.