Right, I finally got to speak to someone late Monday, and we agreed to some replacement taps to be sent Tuesday to arrive Wednesday.
They didn't arrive.
So after another phone call, they said they'd send them Wednesday.
A replacement, new model tap, arrived Thursday. It was a bit scabby and copper was visible through the chrome of the control.
However, it was much easier to fit, went on no problems, excellent I thought.
It was this kind of tap by the way:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DESIGNER-KITC...itemZ6039449472QQcategoryZ42347QQcmdZViewItem
When I tried it out the performance was awful when using cold water, the hot was none existant. Then I realised when setting the control to get warm water the mains cold water was going into the hot water system of the house
I take it this tap isn't suitable for my water system? If so, shouldn't they have asked me?
So down to B&Q, bought a mixer tap for 69.99. 100% better quality, went straight on, no leaks, no fuss, worked first time.
Just need to get some kind of money back now from these eBay cowboys!