Portsmouth builder steps in after elderly couple lose £2,000 to rogue trader

Ernie Eta, from Epic Construction, has offered to fit the new kitchen and a bathroom for Carolyn and Malcolm Arnott, fron Clanfield.

The couple ended up £2,000 in debt when a rogue trader left them with a half-finished kitchen in November. Mr Arnott, who is in a nursing home in Waterlooville, wanted to use his savings to give his wife a new kitchen.

Ernie told BBC Radio Solent this morning why he wanted to help.

He said: ‘To see someone in that situation and basically have the audacity to deprive someone of their hard-earned money.

‘The affection the man was showing for his wife and he’s taken all their dreams away.’

Mr Arnott said he was overwhelmed with the response.

‘I am extremely grateful for all the help they have given us,’ he told BBC Radio Solent.

‘I wasn’t expecting this response. I was hoping to get someone to do the work when we could arrange for family and friends to help us out.’