Warwickshire News Mine

These so called ‘traders’ are cold calling Warwickshire residents and offering to carry out driveway work.

They may appear knowledgeable and genuine at first, and even provide householders with glossy brochures or flyers/cards.

However, their standard of work is often very poor with driveways not being dug out to a sufficient depth, no adequate drainage provided and poor quality hardcore used.

They will normally quote a cheap price for the work, but this will always rise and they will think nothing of using threats and intimidation to get the money they think they are owed.

Gangs use a number of ploys to get consumers to agree to work. They may:

ask you to sign a for a quote – really an agreement for work to commence
tell you they have been sent be a friend or neighbour
pretend to be working for the local council or highway agency

These ‘gangs’ move from area to area very quickly and will often engage with numerous clients simultaneously using false names and addresses and untraceable mobile phone numbers to cover their tracks.

The law states traders cold calling offering goods and services costing more than £35 must give written cancellation rights. If these are not given they are committing a criminal offence and cannot legally demand any payment for the work they claim to have done. These gangs do not provide cancellation rights!

Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards Service advice:

Do not be tempted to make a quick decision on the doorstep
Remember the cheapest quote isn’t always the best buy
If you want work doing, get at least three quotes from local reputable companies who have reputations to maintain, and if possible seek recommendations

For more consumer advice, or to make a consumer complaint contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06, or visit: http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/doorstep

Link to WCC