The Council

Tuesday, December 13 2011, 08:51 GMT

Beware Cold Callers

Hampshire County Council is warning of untrustworthy cold callers 
following reports in the New Forest.  Residents are called on and 
asked if they want their drive resurfaced by a company recommended by the council and its maintenance partner, Amey.
  
Hampshire County Council maintains Hampshire's public highways and footways, working with Amey, Hampshire County Council's maintenance partner, and has no responsibility for maintenance of private streets.
  
Residents who see any suspicious callers in their area can contact the County Council's Trading Standards Quick Response Team (QRT), who will aim to confront the trader while still in the area, or when scheduled to return. The objective is by catching the culprits red-handed and by intervening in cases of shoddy or overpriced work on their homes and gardens, the QRT are able to protect residents from potentially handing over thousands of pounds.
  
This warning follows an incident in the Lymington area where 
 individuals have been calling on residents offering to tarmac drives, claiming that they are acting on behalf of Hampshire County Council and Amey.
  
Trading Standards advise consumers not to agree to work as a result on a cold call or via a leaflet drop.  Consumers should obtain at least 3 written quotes from reputable businesses or traders who belong to a recognised trade association, such as the Hampshire County Council's Buy With Confidence Scheme. 

Details of this scheme can be obtained by telephoning 01962 833620, via email at buy.with.confidence@hants.gov.uk or via the website www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk
  
Traders who agree to do work at someone's home are required by law to provide a Notice of Right to Cancel, which gives consumers a 7 day cooling off period.  Work should not commence until this period has ended, unless written agreement is first obtained from that consumer beforehand.