Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards are warning householders living in Leamington Spa, Bishops Tachbrook and Whitnash to beware of rogue traders offering driveway block paving services door to door.
A number of complaints have been received from residents that jobs were not carried out correctly, driveways and front gardens were left in a terrible mess and demands were made for payments which were hundreds of pounds higher than those originally agreed.
Residents are also warned that these traders sometimes use very professional looking flyers and leaflets to drum up interest.
Householders are advised to research businesses carefully before they employ them to carry out work that can sometimes cost many hundreds or even thousands of pounds. The Internet is often a useful tool – search on the name of the business and see what comes up.
Top Tips
- go on recommendation if at all possible
- ensure the business has a genuine address – find out how long they have been there for
- ask to see examples of their work
- get everything written down - don’t rely on spoken agreements
- don’t buy from the first trader who comes to your door – seek quotes
Finally, if you are at all unsure say no, or better still just keep your door closed – it can be hard to tell a good trader from a cowboy on the doorstep – so don’t be forced in to making a quick decision there and then.
If you live in Warwickshire and are aged 50 or over – why not try Tradeline Warwickshire County Council’s service that can put you in touch with local traders who have been verified by Warwickshire Trading Standards. For more information please phone: 08456 123 258. |