Council warning over cold-calling rogue roofers

Two men have been cold calling at people's homes in Belper and Heanor

A council has warned residents "to be on alert" after two men offered to carry out work that may not need doing to people's roofs in Derbyshire.

Derbyshire County Council said its trading standards team received reports that two roofers had been falsely claiming that roof tiles in Belper and Heanor needed repairs, despite being in good condition.

The authority also said the men had reportedly been cold calling at different houses and had been seen removing intact tiles from roofs already.

Trading standards are currently looking into the reports and have urged residents to be "extra vigilant".

'Avoid'

Cabinet member for health and communities, councillor Carol Hart, said: “Rogue trading is a significant concern for vulnerable groups, especially elderly people living alone.

"We strongly advise against engaging with doorstep traders to avoid scams or poor-quality work.

"When seeking a tradesperson, we recommend getting referrals from family or friends, using our Trusted Trader scheme, and obtaining at least three quotes before deciding.

"Avoid 'today only' offers, which are pressure tactics, and be cautious of cash payment requests which evade VAT."