Remember the TV series in which a group of itinerant road makers travel about on legitimate contracts, but often has a "bit left on the lorry" which they could use for private drives and courtyards? Their work was generally sub-standard and payment strictly cash. Well their spirit lives on in the Tarn where two Irish road builders ("navvies"or navigators as they were called in the 19th century) have been arrested for extortion and threatening behaviour.
Apparently the two men are well-known as they pass by the region each year, mainly offering their services to farmers at cut price, but then demanding a much higher sum once the job is done. In Albi they did work on a farm then asked for 4800 euros. The farmer considered the work to be shoddy and refused to pay. He was abused and assaulted before handing over a cheque, but complained to the police who then arrested the "bitumeurs".
We wonder if they said "Giz a job, monsieur"?
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