Illegal advertising boards torn down

MORE than 100 illegal advertising boards have been torn down from the roadside to try and stop cowboy build- ers and rogue traders. As part of Rogue Trader Awareness Week, trading standards officers have hit the streets of Warwickshire in a bid to stop those who cause misery to communities.

They have targeted roadside advertising boards because they say they can be used by unscrupulous traders to promote their businesses.

More than 100 advertising boards, found on everything from lampposts to trees, have been destroyed so far. Yet more action is expected according to Warwickshire County councillor Andy Crump, cabinet member for community safety.

“Rogue traders can be very convincing, but their work will be overpriced and shoddy and their actions can have a devastating impact upon the lives of their victims, many of whom are elderly and vulnerable,” Cllr Crump said.

“Preventing rogue traders advertising is just one of the ways Warwickshire Trading Standards is cracking down on their activities, which also include the investigation and prosecution of cowboy builders and carrying out rapid responses to protect consumers on the doorstep.” In one case, a rogue trader conned a Warwickshire resident out of £25,000 after knocking at his door to claim a tile on his roof was loose. This then led to him claiming other works needed carrying out. In a similar case another homeowner was also told about a loose tile and agreed to pay £40 to have it repaired. However, once on the roof the rogue trader ‘discovered’ other issues and charged her £1,100 for what turned out to be little or no work. Warwickshire Trading standards operates an approved trader scheme to ensure that, if people need work carrying out, they can find a reputable firm to do it. Those who suspect someone of being a rogue trader, or find themselves accosted by uninvited doorstep sellers, should contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506. Operation Rogue Trader is a national multi-agency campaign coordinated by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) with Operation Liberal, the Police National Intelligence Unit.