A CARMARTHENSHIRE couple “scammed” by a local car dealer have spoken out about their ordeal and are now raising awareness for other elderly residents.

Phillip and Sonia Morris, of Cwmgwili, purchased a 2006 model Ford Focus from Cymru Tyres in June this year.

Over the last two months, the couple have had to return to the garage in Cross Hands numerous times due to faults with the vehicle.

Three weeks after the purchase Mr Morris, 74, noticed the warning light flashing on the dashboard stating that the car needed more oil.

He took the motor back to the company and the mechanic refilled the oil and told Mr Morris to keep an eye.

The following week the car run out of oil again and the couple have been taking the car back to the garage weekly ever since.

The mechanic eventually agreed to look at the vehicle and a courtesy car was given to he couple as a replacement.

“We were told they would keep our car for two to three days,” said Sonia, 54.

“After two weeks when we hadn’t heard from Cymru Tyres I gave them a ring to see what was happening with our car.

“When we eventually got our car back, the mileage on the car had increased by nearly 400 miles and there was litter all over the back of the car including McDonald’s wrappers, chewing gum, ash and a lollipop stick.

“We were so shocked so we complained, but the owner did not want to know.

“I questioned why it took so long to fix the car and they said that they had ordered parts from Ford but they couldn’t prove it when I asked them to see order forms.

“All we have had is hassle since we bought this car.

“What is more upsetting is that we purchased this vehicle with the money my late father-in-law left us.”

When the couple took the vehicle to another garage for a second opinion, the duo were informed that the car was not worth the £1,700 which they paid and also not worth fixing.

Mr and Mrs Morris were also told that the car emissions was five times over what it should be.

The couple are still dealing with the garage and are now warning other elderly residents to be careful of car garages in the area.

“I think because my husband is 74 they thought they could get away with fobbing him off, but I am not going to let this happen,” added Sonia.

“When we are ringing to speak to the boss they are fobbing us off and we have been left in the dark with no help or sufficient customer service.

“We found it very strange that when my husband visited the garage recently they had a complete change over of staff and they all claimed not to know anything about our issue.

“We are driving around in this vehicle which we don’t know is safe or not.

“It is really worrying especially as my husband needs to get to doctor’s appointments.

“We don’t want other residents going through this nightmare and just want people to be aware and be cautious.”

Cymru Tyres has been approached for a comment.