Council Warns Residents to Be Alert

10th May 2009

The Council's Trading Standards service have issued a warning to the public to take great care before agreeing to any work on their house or garden by any itinerant businesses.

Chairman of TEC Services, Councillor John Laing said: "Every year we receive a number of complaints from people who have experienced poor workmanship, inflated prices and aggressive behaviour in connection with home and garden repair and maintenance works undertaken by this type of trader. The way they operate may have changed over the years, with some of them now driving official looking vehicles, the distribution of professionally printed sales literature and the workers wearing high visibility clothing and hard hats, but the problems remain the same.

"I would advise anyone to think twice before getting any work of this type done by someone they don't know, or without getting several quotes and clear details of exactly what work is to be done."

"If someone canvassing for this or any business, fails to complete the agreed work to a reasonable standard, demands payment in excess of what was agreed or in any way acts aggressively towards a resident then they should report the incident to Trading Standards on 01463 228700 and if necessary where they feel threatened call the police."

A spokesperson for the Council added: "We have been alerted by members of the public that people touting for business door to door have been seen illegally dumping old materials with no thought given to the impact on the amenity of the local area. Invariably it is the Council Tax payer who will foot the bill for clearing up after these fly tippers. I would urge any one who witnesses any incidents to note the vehicle registration and description and immediately alert the police."

Under the terms of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 Vehicles used in the commissioning of such offences can be seized and offenders face a heavy fine and possibly a prison sentence if convicted.