Council warns residents about ‘cold callers’
Eastleigh Borough Council is reminding residents not to agree to employ people who call at their homes looking for work such as garden maintenance, driveways repairs or removal of waste items.
Trading Standards would advise local residents not to agree to work that has come about from just a cold call. Consumers should obtain at least three written quotes from reputable businesses or traders who are either members of the Hampshire County Council Trading Standards Buy With Confidence Scheme or a recognised trade association.
Cabinet Lead for Health Cllr Tonia Craig said, ”I urge all local residents not to ‘employ’ people who cold call at their homes looking for immediate work such as garden maintenance driveways repairs or rubbish clearance. The result is often seen dumped nearby – this is both a blight on our environment and a cost to all local tax payers”.
She added “The Council spends many thousands of pounds each year on clearing fly tipping in the borough and I would strongly encourage residents to use professional businesses to undertake waste removal, grounds maintenance or building work at their homes. If evidence is found that rubbish has come from a specific address people may be found liable for the cost of waste disposal and clearing up”.
If you have been affected in this way or are concerned about a doorstep caller, please call the Trading Standards Doorstep Crime Section on 01962 833666 or report it online