Bracknell

Bracknell Forest Borough Council's trading standards officers are warning residents to be wary of cold-callers offering roofing and guttering services.

Bracknell Council has received information from a member of the public who was suspicious of a doorstep-seller. The trader falsely claimed to have done work for the Council and proved hard to turn away. Neighbouring authorities have received similar complaints about the same firm.

Bracknell Trading standards would like to remind residents to think twice before agreeing to have work done by companies which cold call. Most reputable firms have waiting lists of customers and do not have to resort to cold calling and high pressure sales techniques to drum up business.

Often firms that visit your home will verbally claim to do work for or to be endorsed by Bracknell Council, police or fire service to give them credibility. Many firms that cold call will not inform you about your cancellation rights; and often consumers find themselves facing a much higher final bill than the price they had originally discussed and agreed to.

Robert Sexton, Bracknell Forest Borough Council's Head of Trading Standards, said: "Residents should remember that if they contact a trader who has put a leaflet through their door, they will have no cancellation rights at all.

"If you are at all suspicious of a cold caller the best advice is to turn them away and call trading standards on 01344 352000 or Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505 505 to let them know they are operating in the area."

Cllr Peter North, Executive Member for Bracknell Public Protection and Services, said: This is the busiest time of the year for residents to receive leaflets and knocks on their doors from traders seeking to do work on the house or in the garden.

"Never be pressurised into having work done. Give yourself plenty of thinking time before you decide anything. If you have the slightest doubt, contact a local established business and seek their opinion. Alternatively, contact a friend or family member whose opinion you know you can trust."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council