Adel and Wharfedale householders warned over bogus tree workers (From Ilkley Gazette)

Adel and Wharfedale householders warned over bogus tree workers

9:21am Friday 22nd February 2013 in Local news

Householders are being warned not to deal with cold callers amid concerns over a spate of companies offering to carry out work on trees.

Adel and Wharfedale councillor Barry Anderson raised the issue with West Yorkshire Trading Standards after being told of concerns by a resident.

He said: “I was recently approached by a resident who said a number of companies have been carrying out tree work in the area and this work was, in some instances, not up to standard and not value for money and I was asked what, if anything, could be done. “Residents have also, in some cases, been pressurised by these companies to have tree work carried out.”

In a reply to Coun Anderson trading standards said many leaflets given out by cold callers looked increasingly professional but rarely had a traceable address of details of the trader.

A spokesman for trading standards said: “The only way of avoiding problems and unsightly work is for residents to have nothing whatsoever to do with them. People should never deal on the doorstep. As you’re aware Cold Calling Control Zones do help.

Improvements come from raising residents’ awareness of the problems created when using these types of traders, such as shoddy work and misleading quotes that turn into aggressive demands for large amounts of cash.

In the worst cases we’ve all heard of instances where vulnerable elderly victims can be repeatedly targeted.”

Leeds City Council’s Forestry Section said individuals should only accept quotes from reputable companies.