A TANK is still parked outside Wickes in Basingstoke, two weeks after first appearing outside the DIY store.

As previously reported, Paul Gibbons, 63, from Kingsclere, had been looking to install a new kitchen in his property, enquiring to numerous businesses before approaching Wickes in Basingstoke in February to carry out the work.

The kitchen, which cost £25,000, was intended to be fitted to a high-quality standard within two weeks, but 10 months later Paul is still trying to get issues rectified.

READ MORE: Wickes tank still parked outside Basingstoke DIY store

The tank appeared on Wednesday, December 27, and 14 days later on Tuesday, January 9, a Gazette reporter visited the store and saw it is still there. 

The vehicle itself is a 1963 Abbot self-propelled gun, and while not technically a tank, it certainly looks like one.

Basingstoke Gazette: 1963 Abbot self-propelled gun1963 Abbot self-propelled gun (Image: Mark Paine)

Paul has received a lot of attention in the national and international media, with news outlets as far as Australia covering his story.

When asked how long we could expect to see the vehicle outside Wickes in Basingstoke, Paul said: "I am willing to keep it there for as long as it takes to get the message across. 

SEE ALSO: Tank outside Wickes as man fumes over 'poor quality' kitchen

"We had The Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman in today (Tuesday, January 9), but I don't hold out any hope that this is going to sort it.

"I become responsible for the safety of that kitchen once it is completed, and if anyone or anything was hurt because of the substandard fitting, then I am the one that is liable, which isn't right.

"The kitchen needs ripping out and starting again, but I don't want Wickes to play any part in that installation."

Paul added he had an independent electrical survey done, which highlighted several electrical faults in the installation.

A spokesperson for Wickes said: "We are aware of the situation at the Basingstoke store and would like to apologise for any inconvenience that has been caused to shoppers visiting the store today.

"Our Customer Relations team is in contact with the customer to discuss their installation and help to resolve the issue."