A FAMILY say they are ￡7,000 out of pocket after a builder failed to deliver a sensory room for their autistic son.

       Now Abbie Merrett has had to scrap the ￡18,000 ground-floor extension plan.

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       The couple handed over the deposit last July but she and husband David, 37, said all they got was excuses for the work not even being started 3

       The sensory room would have provided severly disabled three-year-old Rory with vital specialist sleeping and caring facilities at their home

       It would have provided severely disabled three-year-old Rory with vital specialist sleeping and caring facilities at their home in Retford, Notts.

       Abbie, 33, handed over the deposit last July but she and husband David, 37, said all they got was excuses for the work not even being started.

       She alleges the trader blamed his van breaking down, fuel shortages, having to attend a funeral and even heavy rain.

       Abbie then insisted on action in October and emails show that the workman pledged to return her cash that day — but then said he could not as he had “phone trouble”.

       Four months on from there, she has not got the money but has been forced to pay back the loan she had taken with family.

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       She said: “It’s been a nightmare, just so upsetting.”

       Rory is still without his sensory room — meaning his sister Rozalyn, six, is also having difficulty sleeping when her brother is crying or upset.

       A spokesperson from Nottinghamshire Police said: “We are investigating a reported fraud offence and have been liaising with the person affected to gather the necessary evidence.”

       When contacted for comment, the builder declared he did have the money ready to pay Abbie and said all she needed to do was to reply to his email.

       After the family revealed they would have to cancel their plans for little Rory's sensory room, a family friend set up a JustGiving page for the little boy so kind hearted donors could help Abbie fund a new builder.

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       Rory is still without his sensory room — meaning his sister Rozalyn, six, is also having difficulty sleeping when her brother is crying or upset

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