Line painting scam warning in Leamington
Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service is warning of rogue traders targeting schools, churches and community groups in the Leamington area
Officers have received several reports this week from various organisations that have been approached by a door-to-door trader offering cut-price line painting on roads outside buildings or in car parks.
They say they are working on behalf of the county council or its contractors and have lots of spare yellow paint because they have been asked to use red paint when line marking instead.
If work is carried out, it is likely to be of very poor standard and over-charged, costing even more money to put right - turning what seems to be a cheap deal in to a very big mistake.
Simon Cripwell from Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service said: “These rogue traders send a smartly dressed representative in to schools, community centres and churches, offering cut-price line painting.
“Neither the county council nor its contractors would participate in door-to-door selling and certainly wouldn’t carry out any work without prior agreement through the necessary channels and would use reputable companies.
“It is also worth noting that any work carried out on the public highway can only be done with the express permission from the local authority.”
Cllr Richard Hobbs, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said: “In these difficult economic times, cut-price offers like this can seem quite appealing.
“However before agreeing to any sale or the commissioning of any work, residents need ensure that the service being offered is by a reputable firm.
“If you do encounter people offering line painting work door to door, contact Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards on 01926 414040 to let us know they are in your area, and give as much detail about them as you can.”
To find out more about Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service or for consumer or business advice, visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards.