Rogue trader warning over storm damage

Guidelines have been drawn up to protect people from falling victim to unscrupulous traders looking to take advantage of vulnerable property owners in need of rapid repairs. Trading standards chiefs urged people not to deal with unsolicited calls from traders and to instead gain quotes from reputable workers.

Consumers who have agreed to have work undertaken as a result of a cold call have a seven-day right to cancel the agreement, said Rob Scovell, a senior trading standards officer at West Sussex County Council.

Mr Scovell added: "It is a legal requirement for details of this right to cancel to be given to you in writing at the time you agree to have the work done. If it is not, the trader commits an offence and you are under no obligation to pay for any work carried out.

"However, if such a notice has been given and the work has been started before you cancel, you might have to pay a 'reasonable' price for materials already used."