A businessman is hoping that the Oxford Mail can help end his two-year battle with bankrupt energy giant Enron.

John Radwell claims the company poached his custom without his agreement - and has refused to pay Enron since it switched his electricity supply from Southern Electric.

Enron agreed its switch of supplier was an "erroneous transfer" and promised to transfer the company back to Southern Electric. But Enron did not do so and continued to bill him until it collapsed and went into administration earlier this year, still asking for his £2,000.

British Gas, which took over Enron's customers, then demanded payment for the outstanding bill.

So Mr Radwell spoke to the Oxford Mail, which contacted British Gas, which agreed to return Mr Radwell to his previous supplier, Southern Electric, subject to a final settlement.

Mr Radwell said: "We did not sign anything. Enron say we did. It's extraordinarily frustrating and time-consuming - time I really can't spare."

Tracey Page, of Energywatch, the gas and electricity supply watchdog, said Mr Radwell's problem was very common.

"This type of case is repeatedly being reported to us. If a sales representative asks you to sign something, even if they are saying it isn't a contract, it probably is one."

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