Les Bonner

Trading Standards officers at North East Lincolnshire Council are warning residents over doorstep callers selling cavity wall insulation which they wrongly claim is being offered through a council-affiliated scheme.

The warning comes after some residents were led to believe the work was to be done by the council to a high standard, which influenced their decision to pay. However, residents agreeing to the work later discover the council is not involved and often have little redress if things go wrong.

Councillor Steve Beasant, portfolio holder for public protection and safer communities, said:

“With the colder weather with us, there is an increased risk that bluffers will be back trying to sell insulation, so we would urge family members and carers to stay vigilant and not to be fooled into entering into any contract with these providers. 

“It is important that residents and communities know to always check out who they are dealing with. Remember, if the deal sounds too good to be true, it might cost you in the long run. It is always worthwhile paying that little extra for a job well done and for peace of mind.”

Neil Clark, principal trading standards officer, said: “The key message is to be wary of people who phone or call at your home unannounced - never do business on your doorstep for jobs on your home.

“If you’ve already been approached and are worried, seek advice. If you find that you have succumbed to the offer of a cheap job once, do not allow the trader to offer to do more work for you. Call us instead - it is never too late, even if you have committed to what you understand is a contract.”

Residents are advised that North East Lincolnshire Council does offer reduced cost insulation and advice on home insulation.

Madeleine Bell, deputy director of strategic housing, said:

“The council offers a reduced cost insulation scheme and can even help some residents to obtain insulation and improved heating free of charge. We would urge anyone who is considering improving the level of insulation in their homes to contact us first to see if we can save them money.”

The council has already made moves to protect homeowners from cold callers and rogue traders, implementing No Cold Calling Zones across the borough. These zones aim to raise public awareness of the dangers of cold callers. Signs are displayed along the street informing potential cold callers that local residents are aware of the dangers and unlikely to fall for any ploy.

If you need to have large or small works done to your home, then residents are advised to check out traders in the council’s Home Services Directory first. These traders have been vetted by the Trading Standards Department and should do a fair and reasonable job for a reasonable price. The list can be used for your own peace of mind.

The Home Services Directory is available on the website www.hsd.org.uk. Call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 for any other trading standards advice.