Warning to residents over rogue driveway contractors

RESIDENTS in Carmarthenshire are being warned about a recent spate of incidents in the Burry Port and Llanelli areas involving rogue driveway contractors.

Works have been carried out by unknown and unqualified traders to a very poor standard and in some cases involved unlicensed and illegal work to kerbs and footways.

Any works carried out on the public highway must be licensed by the council’s street works section and carried out by a reputable contractor who holds a current street works qualification card and public liability insurance.

Residents should be aware that if unlicensed works are carried out to the highway the residents concerned could be recharged with the cost of making good and face possible legal action.

Trading standards are also reminding residents that if they are agreeing to work in their own homes then the trader should legally give them a written cancellation notice stating their right to a seven day cooling off period.

Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “We have received a large number of complaints about rogue traders operating in the county, who specifically target elderly and vulnerable people. They’re usually involved in jobbing work, such as offering to maintain and clean guttering, repair roofing or chimneys and resurfacing driveways. Their charges are much higher than the cost of employing a local reputable tradesperson to do the same work and they often demand payment in advance; there have even been occasions when they have escorted people to a bank or post office so that they can be paid.

“In particular, residents should also be aware that any works which involve dropped kerbs and footway reconstruction require a licence from the street works section and it is the householder’s responsibility to obtain this.

“Hopefully we can raise awareness of these rogue traders and we would urge people to look out for elderly or vulnerable relatives or neighbours who would be an easy target.”

For further information or advice please contact the council’s trading standards or street works sections on 01267 234567.