IN view of the recent water rationing threat, I decided to buy a water butt so I could water my garden plants.

Twice in one week I tried to purchase one after searching online, and found Homebase had a reasonably priced one available.

On arrival to collect the item it was found the price had almost trebled. At the second attempt I reserved one at Aylesbury Homebase.

On arrival I was told the ones in stock were split, so unsaleable.

Head office blamed management errors, but why are goods not available, not removed from the online web pages?

Trading standards say stores are not breaking the law by charging more in store than online.

It seems we cannot trust major stores anymore.

ADRIAN TAYLOR Thames Court Eynsham