Trader warning

A warning has been issued after a rise in rogue traders around South Ayrshire.

Trading Standards say calls about suspect activity are up a quarter, with home repair cons one of the biggest problems.

Among the 36 scams caught by council officers between April and June this year are bogus callers offering to replace missing tiles or broken gutters, or giving a cheap price to clear gardens and paving stones - then charging much more for unnecessary extra work.

Councillor Ian Cochrane said: “Unfortunately, rogue traders are nothing new, but the way they approach people has evolved over the years and people need to be wary about uninvited doorstep callers.”

South Ayrshire Council run a Trusted Trader scheme which contains a directory of businesses who have been vetted.

Trading Standards can be contacted on 0300 123 0900 or at their office on River Terrace in Ayr, or by email at cabac@ south- ayrshire. gov. uk.