Winsford community come to aid of woman ripped off by roofers

Ms Rowlands said she was "astounded" by the generosity of those who had helped her and could not "thank them enough"

A community has left a woman "absolutely amazed" after stepping in to help when a firm took more than £20,000 from her for unnecessary work.

Ann Rowlands, 81, was forced to use her life savings to pay for the unrequired repairs to her Winsford home's roof.

Neighbour Simon Smith heard what had happened and turned to social media, which led to several local firms offering to fix the roof for free.

Ms Rowlands said they had restored her faith in humanity and "hope in people".

The pensioner, who has lived in the property for 27 years, said she previously spent £15,000 on having the roof repaired, but had received a phone call a different firm a couple of weeks ago.

She said the caller told her the firm had taken over the company that did the initial work and now believed "they hadn't done a good job and had sacked the workers".

"They told me they had to inspect the work before giving me a certificate of guarantee," she said.

'Getting emotional'

She said she was told a representative for the firm would visit to discuss the situation, but he "never came round and the next thing I knew, they were taking the tiles off the roof".

"I was scared as I had had mould in the house before," she said.

"Instead of telling them to clear off, I just let them get on with it."

The firm then started demanding more and more money for the work, leading to Ms Rowlands eventually handing them more than £20,000.

She said she "kept telling them" she had no funds left, "but they kept telling me ways of raising the money".

"I feel like an absolute idiot, but I felt pressured, because I was worried about the roof," she added.

The group were treated to a free meal at Brighton Bell in Winsford

Mr Smith, who lives nearby, said he was "gobsmacked" when he heard what had happened and had been determined to help.

He said he was "shocked" that those involved "could do something like this to an elderly woman".

He said he posted about what happened online and was inundated with offers, with the local fish and chip takeaway even offering to provide food for the workers.

Roofer James Edwards, who was one of those who gave their time and materials to fix Ms Rowlands' roof, said he was happy to help.

"I said to Ann [that] we would rally round and see what we can do," he said.

"She started getting emotional and had a cry, which made me want to cry."

Ms Rowlands said she was "astounded" by the generosity of those who had helped her and could not "thank them enough".

"It's restored my willingness to live and hope in people," she said.

"I am absolutely amazed."

Cheshire Police said it was investigating what had happened to Ms Rowlands.

Appealing for information, PC Adam Baxter said such offences were "absolutely sickening".

"I would like to reassure local residents that we are doing all we can to identify the people responsible," he said.

He added his thanks to the local community "who have all pulled together" to help Ms Rowlands.

A force representative added that anyone concerned about rogue traders could take a number of steps to protect themselves, which included checking whether traders were members of local authority assured trader schemes or the government-endorsed TrustMark scheme, asking a friend or relative to help find a reputable trader, not agreeing to work on the spot and not paying cash upfront.

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