A father and son roofing duo have each been given a 12-month community order and instructed between them to pay more than £3,400 in compensation and costs, after misleading customers in Macclesfield.
Donald James Warner, 50, and James Dean Warner, 29, traded as JW Roofing and Building and carried out work across Cheshire East and Staffordshire.
Cheshire East Council’s consumer protection and investigations team brought the prosecution after receiving several complaints that the pair cold-called residents using false and misleading claims in order to carry out work on their property.
This was mostly roofing work that was either never required, or the exaggerated claims they made pressurised the resident to have the work done.
They also received payment for work when it was not carried out.
The Warners, who live on Adams Avenue, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, pleaded guilty to all offences.
They were convicted on February 2, 2012, at Macclesfield Magistrates’ Court.
In addition they had been advised on previous occasions that they legally have to provide customers with a written right to cancel, in a prescribed format, when contracts are being signed. They continued to ignore this advice and failed to provide it in the right format, which is a criminal offence.
Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “This prosecution should send out a clear message: that the Council will not tolerate rogue traders conning Cheshire East residents. I would like to thank our consumer protections and investigations team for their hard work on this case.
“Fortunately, the large majority of traders across the Borough are reputable and trustworthy. We are part of the national Buy With Confidence Scheme where accredited businesses undergo strict vetting and background checks.
“To find out more please go to www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk.”
Anyone with an elderly or vulnerable relative or neighbour are encouraged to consider the Nominated Neighbour Scheme developed by the Council’s consumer protection and investigations team. It is designed to help vulnerable people who are known targets for criminals who cold call at their homes.
More information on this scheme can be found at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk
Anyone with concerns about doorstep callers or would like to request a Nominated Neighbour pack contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
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