The perfect time to get your chimneys swept

We've had our chimneys swept this week, and if you use your fires it's an ideal time to book an appointment with a sweep. It's easy to forget about the chimney once you stop using your fire or stove in the warmer weather, and then once you start using it again in the autumn there is likely to be a build up of soot and debris which can lead to a chimney fire.  People often assume that chimney fires are quite innocuous and limited to the inside of the chimney, but they can damage your entire home and put lives in danger so it isn't a risk you want to take.  If you're using your fire or stove regularly, it should be swept at least once a year.

There's a myth that chimney sweeping is a terribly dirty, dusty business and in the past people would cover all their furniture in sheets to prevent it getting sooty. Nowadays, it's a remarkably clean process, effectively just like hoovering out the chimney, and the sweep should bring sufficient covers for the area close to the fire which could get a bit dusty. If you use your fire regularly, you'll probably notice a real difference after you've had the chimney swept as it may burn better and with real log fires you'll know that there's less smoke in the room.

At Westcombes, we can recommend reliable and efficient sweeps who are properly qualified and who we trust to do a good job - and we'd suggest thinking about it now rather than waiting until the autumn when good sweeps are busier and you may face a wait.

Mary Portas and High Street parking

We're glad that Mary Portas raised the issue of High Street parking in her analysis of the problems of the British High Street.  Here in Lee High Road, it has become increasingly difficult for our customers to park close to our shop.  The local streets are now almost exclusively residents' parking.  There are one or two parking bays close to Lee High Road, but the situation is very confusing - on one side of the shop you can park for an hour, but on the other side for only half an hour.

Lewisham Council has said the half hour restriction gives our customers plenty of time - but they've obviously never bought a fireplace from a specialist retailer like Westcombes.  Many of our customers like to spend far longer than that discussing their options, looking at all the fireplaces and stoves that we have and considering the relative pros and cons.

Lewisham Council clearly doesn't have much time for the traditional service and expertise that a shop like ours can offer - but fortunately our customers put up with the confusing parking arrangements because it's the service and expertise that they particularly like about Westcombes.

The busy season...

It's been very very busy in the shop over the last few weeks - the kind of busy where every time you put the phone down, it rings again. We just wanted to take the opportunity to thank all our customers for their patience and to reassure you that we do always call everyone back - it just takes a little longer than we might like during this busy time. It is important to us that all our customers benefit from our full care and attention - which unfortunately does mean that when there are lots of you all wanting that at the same time, a little waiting is sometimes necessary but we hope that you will feel that the level of service we offer makes it well worth the wait.

Seasonal Sunday opening

Westcombes is now open on Sundays!

As this is our busiest time of year, we're extending our opening hours for the autumn through until December. It's not too late to get that fire or stove for Christmas, and you'll find us here between 12 and 4 every Sunday as well as our normal opening hours of 10am to 6pm Monday through to Saturday.