Rogue trader on the loose in Mansfield

Trading Standards and Nottinghamshire Police are investigating the trader, who has been cold calling residents in the Mansfield area offering to clean the gutters on their property.

He is often joined by two family members in a white transit van to complete the work.

The trader will often identify other work while at the address, which can include replacing roof tiles, re-pointing of brickwork and trimming trees or shrubs.

Home owners are often pressurised to have work done, which is often of very poor quality and poor value for money.

The trader is also suspected of not having a waste carriers licence, so any materials removed, for example, roof tiles and garden waste are being transported illegally.

If these are illegally fly tipped the house owner could also be prosecuted.

A spokesman for trading standards said if the work costs more than £35 householders are entitled to a seven-day cancellation period.

This is a right given by law and details of this should be given in writing.

The spokesman added: “Trading Standards recommend you ignore cold-callers.

“We advise that if you are considering having work done to your property you should get quotes from at least three companies before agreeing to go ahead with any work.

“If possible, speak to friends and relatives for recommendations. If you suspect you or your neighbours have been visited by this trader telephone Trading Standards 01623 452005.”

If you need work carried out you can contact the Buy With Confidence scheme for details of trades people who have demonstrated their commitment to fair and honest trading on www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or by calling 08454 04 05 06.