A family-of-eight have been forced to live off microwave meals for weeks after continued problems and delays with their new kitchen from B&Q.
Aidan James, 29 - who lives in Thornaby, Teesside, with his wife-to-be Lauren, 30, and their six kids - has slammed the popular DIY superstore, adding that the delays are costly.
The family ordered a new kitchen last May with a fitting date initially set for June - but seven months later the room is still bare, without worktops and an oven.
However, B&Q have now confirmed that the family "will have a working kitchen in time for Christmas".
The couple paid the first bill instalment last summer and since then Aidan says they have faced endless delays.
They were given a further four start dates and cleared the kitchen each time waiting for the fitter to arrive - but to no avail.
Aidan says he has messaged, called and emailed the Stockton store and by October was told it would be February.
After taking a trip to the store to air his concerns, they told him a fitter from another store would come.
But more problems and delays followed.
The old kitchen was ripped out on October 29 - almost two months later and to date the new one still had not been fitted.
"Since then it's just been excuses after excuses, from everyone having Covid to his van breaking down, then waiting for a part for his van," said Aidan.
"He then ran out of excuses and would just message due to circumstances.
"So this is where we are. No kitchen since October 29 and only a microwave to feed a family of eight.
"Beans and takeaways are boring and very costly. Hoping that the promise of the kitchen being completed in time for Christmas will be kept."
He said B&Q offered compensation of £200 which will be issued after the work is completed but he has been left frustrated and angry at the delays.
The couple's children are aged one, two, four, five, seven and eight.
Aidan said with their four-year-old, who is also called Aidan, has autism and has found the situation particularly hard as they have been unable to cook family meals.
"Lauren and all the children love a good old cottage pie, roast etc and they are fed up with microwave goods and takeaways," he added.
"So am I - trust me on that, my bank balance confirms it and so does the unpaid credit card and finance on the kitchen, as I would rather my children be fed than a fat cat get fatter, as would any other parent."
After Teesside Live contacted B&Q for a response on - December 21 - the kitchen fitter turned up.
Aidan said: "Even the neighbours were messaging us as they were just astonished.
"Because of you contacting them we should be on the way to getting the oven and worktops fitted in time for Christmas.
"If not completed in time B&Q said they will look into it."
The family moved into their 'forever home' using cash Aidan inherited from his dad.
Aidan said the property needed a bit of work and they prioritised the kitchen to make it the heart of their busy home.
After researching and checking affordability they decided to go to B&Q.
Due to the delays the family's neighbours have pitched in to offer help with the cooking - and for Christmas dinner if they need it.
"This goes from cooking little extra bits for us or even offering out their oven as they will be spending it with family," Aidan said.
"I cannot be more grateful to have neighbours like we do.
"They're all so happy to help each other out and the community spirit is amazing all year round."
A B&Q spokesperson said: “We’re sorry that Mr James has experienced delays in getting his new kitchen fitted.
"Our Stockton store colleagues have been working to resolve the situation and we can confirm that Mr James will have a working kitchen in time for Christmas.
"We apologise for the inconvenience caused.”
