With winter on its way, many householders will be thinking of carrying out maintenance work ahead of the bad weather. Rogue tradesmen know this, and residents are being urged to be very careful when approached by door-to-door salespeople. 
 

The warning comes from Northumberland’s Public Protection Trading Standards team who are asking residents to be vigilant, and to look out for elderly and vulnerable family members and neighbours too. 
 

Whilst it is not illegal for traders to canvas for work by going door-to-door, residents are being advised to take their time before making any decisions about goods or services. 
 

Popular scams include dishonest workers offering services such as gardening, gutter clearing, roof repairs or driveway maintenance. 
 

Often a one-day only deal is offered ‘while they are in the area’, or alarming information given about the importance of getting something repaired immediately. A classic example being a builder who claims to have spotted a big problem with your roof.   
 

Some of the work they suggest may be unnecessary, overpriced and could end up being of poor quality. Where it concerns gardening, waste may end up being left behind for householders to clear away themselves, or it may end up getting flytipped. 
 

Northumberland County Councillor Gordon Stewart, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Looking after our Communities said:  

“As winter approaches, we tend to carry out more repair work to our homes to make sure they are safe and secure through the bad weather. Unscrupulous traders know this and take advantage of consumers by cold-calling and offering their services, often targeting elderly homeowners.  
 

“You should never give in to pressure to buy there and then, even if the salesperson is offering a ‘one day only’ deal.  Take your time to decide whether you would like the work done and what the reasonable cost for it should be. Don’t forget that you don’t have to answer your door to anyone if you don’t want to.” 
 

 

Anyone who has concerns about an uninvited doorstep trader visit can ring Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or contact Trading Standards by email to tradingstandards@northumberland.gov.uk. Concerns can also be reported to the Police Authority on 101, or 999 if its and emergency.