Being threaten with law suite from UK

I am being threaten with a law suite from from a UK lawyer. I hired carpet cleaning company in London to provide a service for 15,302.00 pounds they did such a substandard service I ended up paying them 9,500.00 pounds with a letter of explanation after discussions with their staff. They cashed the check and now 7 months later I received a letter requesting payment through their attorney as shown below. My question is what are the ramification if I do not respond. The amount is to small in my eyes to involve an attorney.

Claimant: CLEANING CONTRACTOR Ltd)

Outstanding balance of invoice 13295 dated 23rd August 2007 to MY COMPANY

Debt: £5,768.67
We act for the above named who inform us that you owe them the above sum.

The invoice total was originally £15,302.91. However a part payment of £4,000 was made by credit card on 17th October 2007 and a US Dollars cheque was received on 30th November 2007 in the sum of £5,534.24. An amount of £5,768.67 therefore remains outstanding.

Please ensure that payment of this sum is made to our client no later than 10am on Friday 20th June 2008. Failure to make payment by the specified date will result in court proceedings being issued against you and costs and interest will be incurred which you will be liable to pay.



Yours faithfully

[annjd]

You don't have to respond to the letter but if they file suit you do need to respond and deny any amount is due, and consider a claim back against them for damages etc. by the inferior work. You will default if you just ignore it and they will win.

You can respond without hiring a solicitor if need be.