A CHARITY worker has been left fuming after being told he can’t have his Mini Cooper repaired for months because of a parts supply problem.

Rich Plummer-Powell’s Mini Cooper broke down before Christmas but he will have to wait until March to have the gear cables fitted by a Mini dealer.

Mr Plummer-Powell, 35, from Headington, said: “I took the car to a local dealer, the Aladdin Garage in Oxford, as the service contract with Mini had run out.

“They contacted North Oxford Garage for the part and were told it would take five days. But a month after the parts were ordered there was no news and then we were told it would be April before they would be supplied.”

Now Mr Plummer-Powell says he will find it difficult to carry out his role as a bereavement service volunteer for Oxford-based Sobell House, which requires use of a car.

He also contacted Mini customer services but was not offered any further assistance.

Mr Plummer-Powell said: “I am very disappointed that Mini seems to care so little for their customers.”

He has now been forced to take the car to Mini dealer North Oxford Garage which will provide him with a courtesy car until the repair is made.

Marc Mustard, spokesman for Mini parent firm BMW, said: “An issue with the supply of this specific part means a replacement part is now due to arrive on March 20.

“Our dealer network can, and would, provide a courtesy car under these circumstances. However, as the customer is using a third-party garage, we are unable to offer this service.

“We advised the customer that should he wish to use North Oxford Mini instead, a courtesy car would be offered ”