Rogue traders have been posing as Island Roads staff, leading to a new warning to Isle of Wight residents.
Rogue traders have been posing as Island Roads staff, leading to a new warning to Isle of Wight residents. The Isle of Wight Council’s Trading Standards Service and Hampshire Constabulary have urged residents to be vigilant following a spate of reports about cold callers. Offers of home improvements, roof cleaning and driveway upgrades have been among the services offered. Amanda Gregory, the Isle of Wight Council’s regulatory and community safety services manager, said: “Island residents should always be very wary of rogue traders who will cold call, as in our experience they are often unqualified conmen who will overcharge for unnecessary repairs and services which will be of poor quality. “These conmen offer services including gardening work, house maintenance, driveways, steam cleaning roofs, to name a few. “Never pay upfront to cold callers and if you require work doing to your home always try to obtain at least two written quotes. “Trading Standards run a trader approval scheme where local traders are vetted for compliance with consumer legislation. Please be vigilant if you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours and report your concerns to the police or the Trading Standards Service.” Stephen Ashman, Island Roads’ deputy service director, said: “Island Roads does not doorstep sell. “Any material used on the Island’s roads is carefully accounted for and used solely across the scope of our work. “If you are in any doubt about the legitimacy of anyone claiming to work for or with us, please contact our call centre immediately on 822440 or, alternatively, contact Trading Standards on 823371.” For more information on the trader approval scheme, contact 823000 or visit: www.iwight.com/tas Please be vigilant if you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours and report your concerns to the police or the Trading Standards Service.
