I am new to this forum but have been into this game before, using http://www.bankchargeshell.co.uk as my advisor.
About a year ago, I claimed repayment of bank charges from Abbey going back about 4 years, via Moneyclaim Online (http://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk). I heard nothing, they did not acknowledge or defend the claim. So my next step was to instruct the bailiffs to go in. This all took some considerable time, and I think the bailiffs did get involved - not sure to what extent.
Then out of the blue, last June, Abbey paid up in full - £1041 including all my costs. Their letter was copied to the bailiffs, to call them off.
I am now starting another claim, for £567 worth of charges suffered since then. I started a week ago by sending a letter direct to Abbey legal dept in the hope they'd cough up straight away. But I received a letter yesterday saying they would not refund this and would defend any court claim. I am now about to go through moneyclaim online again to see what happens. I hope that it does not come to a court appearance.
Has anybody considered this.......... I bet the banks nose into this site themselves to get the inside story of our tactics!