Sussex builder Nigel Gray, who took extraordinary action after not being paid, is taking his campaign against rogue customers to Westminster.

Nigel, 44, lost £15,000 when rogue customer Anita Dovey failed to pay him for a conservatory and porch he had built, even claiming her husband had died to get out of paying the bill.

So after months of excuses and at the end of his tether he took the extraordinary step in April of knocking down his hard work to make a stand.

Now after being contacted by thousands of businesses from across the UK who have found themselves at the mercy of rogue customers he is taking his campaign to change the law to Westminster.

On November 27 Nigel, along with his MP Tim Loughton, (Con, East Worthing and Shoreham), and hundreds of traders, Nigel will launch his campaign at Portcullis House, Westminster at 1pm.

Nigel, from Lancing, East Sussex, said: “I’ve heard horror stories from builders, hoteliers, even hairdressers. It seems the credit crunch has started a trend in rogue customers, people appear to be doing what they can to get out of paying and it is the businesses that are suffering.

“I believe what I have witnessed is just the tip of the iceberg and it is going to get worse. We need to act now to protect ourselves and that is why I’m taking a stand. Why should someone use our services and products without paying, it’s legalised theft.”

Nigel, who has this week relaunched www.roguecustomer.com to offer free legal advice, debt recovery and advice to members, wants to make sure that there are laws in place to protect businesses.

Among his ideas for change is for businesses to be able to go to court to obtain a document that states within 90 days of non-payment the supplier can remove their goods from the property.

He also aims to lobby to make court hearings simpler and ensure good mediation is in place and aims to campaign for a governing body to intervene when customers won’t pay for quality work.

Through website Roguecustomer.com Nigel also aims to set up a community within a community – so that those who feel they are on their own realise that there is help.

Nigel said: “I had nowhere to turn and so that is why I have set up Roguecustomer.com and am campaigning for changes in the law. I hope that my case will now help others who find themselves in similar situations. We all need to make a stand against rogue customers."