BRIGG AND WOLDS COUNCILLOR WARNS ABOUT ROGUE TRADERS

North Lincolnshire Council’s Trading Standards team is warning householders across North Lincolnshire against employing people who call at the door offering building work or general repairs.

The warning comes in the wake of the recent bad weather across our region and at a time when many householders will be looking for reassurance about the condition of their homes, most commonly roofs, guttering and fences.

Trading Standards officers across the Yorkshire and Humber have already followed up on a number of complaints involving rogue traders, cold calling at the door offering roofing repairs, driveway cleaning and gardening services. All too often, people are tricked into agreeing to unnecessary, expensive but poor quality work.

Many of these rogue traders are offending across the region and Trading Standards are working hard to tackle the problem through a coordinated approach with other areas.

To enable Trading Standards to identify these rogue traders and take appropriate action it’s important for people to report their suspicions straightaway. Whether this is on behalf of an elderly relative or vulnerable neighbour that you are concerned about or it’s your own personal experience.

In cases where Trading Standards have been able to confront the traders and challenge the legality of the work, householders have been saved from paying thousands of pounds.

Coun Nigel Sherwood (Brigg and Wolds) cabinet member for highways and neighbourhood, said: We are urging people to be cautious and report any suspicions you may have about rogue traders. If you are approached by someone offering to do work on your house, don’t agree to this until you have checked they are legitimate. Often the work doesn’t need doing so it is always best to get a second opinion from a reliable tradesman.

“If you have any suspicions about rogue traders and cold callers, don’t hesitate to contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 040506 to report it.”

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