Spring into action against rogue traders
25 March 2010
Residents in Knowsley are urged not to fall victim to rogue
traders offering to do their spring cleaning.
As the better weather arrives, many people will want to get
stuck into tidying up gardens and the outside of their homes.
But Knowsley Trading Standards is warning people to be on their
guard against rogue traders or cold callers who offer to do the
work.
Knowsley’s Environmental Health and Consumer Protection Service
offers the following advice:
- Never feel under pressure to make decisions which could lead to
unnecessary, expensive or poor quality work being carried out.
- If the elderly or vulnerable need to have work carried out,
they should contact the Trader Approved Scheme Knowsley (T.A.S.K)
on 0151 546 6680 or Care & Repair Knowsley on 0151 548
6668
- You should always get at least two quotations before agreeing
to get any work carried out
- Ask someone you trust for a second opinion
- If a trader calls at your home, you have a seven day cooling
off period in which you can cancel any contract above £35.
- If you are in any doubt, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05
06
Cllr Ken Keith, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate
and Customer Services, said: “It is that time of year when many of
us get back outside to do work in the garden or the outside of our
properties.
“It is important to be alert for unscrupulous traders who may
seize the opportunity to take advantage by offering to carry this
work out, often using high pressure tactics to get you to
agree.
“You must never feel under pressure to agree to any work being
done and should always get at least two quotations. If you are in
any doubt, please contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.”