Rogue roof cleaners target elderly homeowners

Prices quoted have been as high as £2,000 for a job which on average should cost a quarter of the price

Homeowners have been warned to be cautious of rogue traders charging above the average rate to clean roofs and driveways in Cornwall.

Cornwall Council's trading standards team has said it received multiple reports of traders who have been going door-to-door in residential areas.

The team said the prices quoted have been as high as £2,000 for a job which on average should cost about £500.

Cornwall councillor Martyn Alvey, cabinet member with responsibility for public protection, said there were concerns the group was targeting "older residents" and urged people to be "extremely cautious".

He added: “Where possible, only use trusted businesses, such as those who are members of the trading standards buy with confidence scheme.”

Gary Webster, group leader of Cornwall Council’s trading standards team, said: “The law requires that traders who agree services at your home, must provide written information about the contract and services they are offering.

“This must include a 14-day cooling-off period in which you can change your mind.

"They should not be pressuring residents to agree work to start immediately."

He urged people to report any incidents to Citizens Advice.