ROGUE TRADERS BETTER WATCH OUT

As a councillor, I sometimes hear sad and even shocking stories from local residents who have been misled into having unnecessary, bad or overpriced work carried out by opportunistic tradesmen or doorstep sellers. These people are heartless and often pick on the most vulnerable people in our community, but they need to watch out because we are on to them!

I joined a combined team from the Council’s Business Regulation Service and the Wallington South police Safer Neighbourhood Team this morning on surprise visits to traders and householders where building or maintenance work is being carried out in Wallington to make sure that all was well.

I’m pleased to say that whilst I was out with the team we only met reputable tradesmen and some very friendly Wallington residents, who thought the scheme was a good idea. But if we had needed to we had people on hand from Scambusters, the Council and police who could have taken enforcement action or made arrests if necessary.

This was the first of a series of Sutton Rogue Trader Days that will be carried out across the borough over the next few months as part of a campaign aimed at reducing doorstep crime and illegal trading.

The team aims to make residents aware of their legal rights as well as the potential dangers when traders turn up on their doorstep. But work with traders is equally important, as we will be encouraging them to prioritise the needs of the consumer and always act within the law.


SAFER SUTTON TRADER SCHEME

The council is also launching a Safer Sutton Trader Scheme soon. Any trader who works in local homes will be able to apply to the Council to be listed in the scheme if they have been in business for over a year and can provide good references.

Local residents will then be able to refer to the list to find traders who have been approved.