Cumbria Trading Standards are warning residents across the County about doorstep callers offering to carry out home improvements, including roofing and guttering, following an increase in complaints.

Residents should be extremely cautious when approached by any doorstep callers offering to sell goods or conduct work on their property.  These types of callers often use persuasive or aggressive tactics to get people to agree to have work carried out and then charge far more than was quoted for poor quality work or goods.

They also often fail to provide a legally required cancellation notice which enables the householder to cancel the work in certain circumstances. 

Trading Standards advice is to always say ‘NO’ to any cold callers and we ask that you please look out for elderly or vulnerable family, friends and neighbours.

If you require advice, have been cold called or wish to report an incident please contact us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk or alternatively contact Cumbria Police on 101.