A woman seeking damages for drapes "that were not professionally done" and also for damaged carpets settled out of Magistrates' Court, yesterday.

Franzetta Parker, 57, of North Cliff Lane, Devonshire, accepted Keitha Lowe's settlement of having a new living room carpet installed after two hours of negotiations.

Ms Lowe is the managing director of Atlantic Upholstery and Interiors, an interior decorating firm and upholsterer she founded in 1994.

Ms Parker said Ms Lowe's company burned a hole in her carpet with an iron.

Before trial began, Acting Magistrate Mark Pettingill ordered the parties to "take a breath and chill" and to try and work it out.

Mr. Pettingill said: "This is not prejudging, but on the basis of what (he had) seen, it was doubtful that (Ms Parker) would succeed in all of her claims."

Ms. Lowe would not refund Ms Parker's deposit of $3,490.

Ms Parker represented herself while Ms Lowe was represented by Brian Myrie.

Ms Lowe was a UBP candidate in Hamilton East East in the 2003 General Election.