Hi Cheshire Cat,
Chris is increasingly difficult to get hold of. I dropped into the garage a couple of weeks ago and agreed collection of my car. I turned up on Friday with a hired trailer, as arranged, and unsurprisingly he wasn't there. A couple of the lads that he subcontracts space to were around and they helped me to load my car. Happy it is now back in my possession.
If your car isn't in the little yard at the garage, he hires space from a caravan storage yard just down the road. From the garage turn right down to the mini roundabout. Turn right (second exit) then first left. The cars Chris has there are on the left at the very bottom. The yard has a padlocked gate and isn't owned by Chris. If he is refusing to return your car, one of the moderators may be able to advise how to report this to the police, perhaps as a theft, and advise further.
I hope this helps and wish you the best of luck.
It sounds like we're in similar situations. I've sent Chris a letter today requesting full refund of money paid given that no work has been carried out. I will keep you updated with mine as it progresses.
BW