Cowboy Alert in Warrington
Warrington Trading Standards office has been running a Consumer Alert program over the last few months with the intention of warning Warringtonians (or "Wires" as they like to be known, apparently) about dodgy traders operating in the area. Sadly, certain elements within the home improvement industry has been causing some grief and of more concern to this website, there have been a number of dodgy paving gangs touting for business and causing distress with their tactics and lack of genuine skills.
The Consumer Alert Network seeks to bring these rogues to the attention of the general public and hopefully reduce the number of incidents in which they are involved. This involves placing adverts in local newspapers, and featuring the latest information on the Warrington TS website .
Pavingexpert actively supports the work of Trading Standards and the Consumer Alert Network in particular. This is an idea that needs to be picked up by other parts of the country, not only to protect customers from shoddy work, but also to ensure the reputable contractors are not being undercut by cowboys.
Warrington Trading Standards iCAN message
Doorstep sales of Block Paving 11 Oct 2005
Block paving continues to be offered by doorstep traders operating all around Warrington and two traders have recently come to the attention of Trading Standards.
A flyer bearing the name Marshall Drives has been distributed in the Winwick area. Enquiries by Trading Standards have revealed that the address quoted is incorrect and the owner of the business has confirmed that they operate from a caravan park in Salford. He was unwilling to provide Trading Standards with any further information. The freephone number on the flyer actually connects to a call centre in Luton that takes calls for the business.
A different trader, but with a similar name, Marshalite Landscapes, has been doing work in the Grappenhall area. This trader is known to cold call without giving the required written cancellation rights. They have displayed signs at houses where they are working which claim that they are an approved trader with Top Paver, but we are unable to trace this trade association. The freephone number provided connects to the same call centre in Luton as for Marshall Drives. The sign also implies that they use Marshalls products.
Marshalls are a genuine manufacturer of bricks used for block paving and have stated that they have no connection with either of these businesses despite their choice of business name.
For further information and advice, or to provide information please contact Trading Standards 01925 442678 