A HAIRDRESSER sparked an investigation into British Gas after she received several incorrect bills for thousands of pounds.

Lesley Mitchell, of Blades, was excited to move into new, bigger premises when her company expanded last December.

But when a bill for £7,369 outstanding from her last property arrived from her electricity provider, British Gas, her mood soon changed.

The 37-year-old complained to Energywatch, the gas and electricity watchdog, which launched an investigation. Mrs Mitchell has since received four bills varying from £300 to £7,000.

While at Duckworth Street, Blackburn, she paid £80 direct debit per month -- more than she currently pays to power her new bigger shop in Bank Top.

Mrs Mitchell is ignoring the company's red letters while she waits for the investigation findings.

And she has vowed to take the company to court.

British Gas has apologised for the "computer errors" which led to two bills over £5,000 but now says it has the correct amount.

Mrs Mitchell has been told she must pay £324 to settle the electricity bill from her previous business premises.

She said: "It is driving me mad. I can't believe how many different amounts they have come up with. How am I supposed to trust any of them. I'm totally confused.

"It must have been a pretty big computer error to end up coming to £7,000. They hope people won't question and just pay up."

An Energywatch spokesman said: "'We hear complaints like this everyday against all energy suppliers. We have little faith in the billing systems used. We have been repeatedly calling for clear, accurate and timely bills.

"British Gas must demonstrate how they've arrived at these figures because the disparity of the amounts owed look like they've been plucked from thin air.

A spokesman for British Gas said: "We apologised to Mrs Mitchell for the distress caused. Energywatch were happy the customer was satisfied with the result, and as far as we were aware the investigation was closed in April with £324 still overdue."

But a spokesman for Energywatch today said it was still pursuing the complaint.