Handypersons scheme

RESIDENTS of Carmarthenshire are being reminded about Carmarthenshire County Council Trading Standards’ scheme which helps them to find reliable tradesmen and gardeners.

The Handyperson and Gardener scheme is part of an initiative aimed at cracking down on rogue traders. The move followed several reports in the area of vulnerable people being defrauded by cowboy operators, who typically ask for an up-front cash deposit before disappearing with the money without having undertaken any works.

Traders joining the scheme, set up in 2006, must sign a contract and go through various checks before being accepted.

Executive board member for environmental and public protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “The recent hot weather has led to an increase in the number of complaints received about rogue traders and we urge people to be vigilant.”

Scheme Co-ordinator Viv Jones of Trading Standards said: “Our aim is try to reduce the volume of complaints received about this type of trader by encouraging householders to use a member of the scheme if possible.

“They should never feel pressurised to employ a trader that has called uninvited to their home and should certainly never hand over large deposits in advance.”

Mrs Doreen Morgan of Cynwyl Elfed, who employs scheme member Rhian Stephens of Rhian’s Cleaning Services, said: “I am very fortunate. Rhian is accommodating and flexible and her standard of work is extremely high.”

Graham and Pamela Williams, of Old Castle Road, Llanelli, who have employed scheme member Bryan Shale, said: “He’s very good and does excellent work. Because he’s on the scheme we had a letter asking what we thought of his services and we gave him good marks. It is a very good scheme.”

Trading Standards would remind all householders to be wary of any trader that ‘cold calls’ at the door, especially those offering to lay tarmac or brick paving driveways.

Anyone wanting a list of the current members of the scheme should contact the council on 01267 234567 or Viv Jones on 01554 742306.