Can you take your caps lock off, please, prendi - it looks like you're shouting.....
Cheapest isn't always best. Contact Trading Standards - and in future, make sure all the quotes are in writing and detail exactly what you are getting for your money. and BTW I never pay anyone upfront, I might pay in instalments after they have done the work - but why did she pay the flagging men if the contract was with the old man? It all sounds like cash in hand work to me, not above board at all.