bad job by decorator

cheeseystrings · 1 September 2013 at 9:50PM

I had a quote for a complete decoration job at my home, liner paper, painting, and painting of woodwork and doors.
The decorator quoted a price and a time of 3 weeks.
Almost immediately i noticed some bubbles in the paper, but was reassured that they would go down or be dealt with.
2 weeks on the decorator said they were ready to leave, yesterday, on closer inspection not all of the work was completed, and the bubbles and rough edges were still visible, also the paintwork is rough.
This was discussed and was told it would be sorted by end of today.
This morning a text was received saying he wanted his money tonight. my reply said, i will check the work in daylight and contact in a few days to make payment when satisfied.
This was taken by him as saying non-payment (although to be fair the work is shabby, so payment will be reduced). A rather snotty text was sent by him, which was followed by a visit to the property, then an argument started with the decorators girlfriend saying various unreasonable things,she is a trainee solicitor, the walls are bad, the paint was not good enough, they had done their best, contract said pay today (not great customer service) it was eventually agreed that we would revisit on Wednesday to check and pay.
Now i have received a formal letter to say job has been stopped and he will be back to strip said paper at cost to him, he would pay for new paper and paint and we should get someone else to paper and he will return to paint again! All seems a little suspicious! Would i be within my rights to ask him to leave my home and not pay? And go to court if they want to? The work is shocking! And really don't want him to have anything to do with any more work in my home. Any advice/ help on the way forward for this would be appreciated. Thanks