Doorstep traders offering jet-washing services at grossly inflated prices have come to the attention of Cornwall Trading Standards, which is urging local residents to give cold callers the cold shoulder.
The Cornwall team has received multiple reports about traders offering to clean roofs and driveways for as much as £2,000 a time – more than four times the amount that would reasonably be expected.
The traders use high-pressure sales tactics to sell their high-pressure cleaning services, with offers to provide a ‘free sample’ of jet-washing on an area of the homeowner’s property. Once a fairly large area of a roof or driveway has been cleaned, the trader persuades them to pay to have the job finished – rather than leaving an unsightly and incongruous half-cleaned patch.
Councillor Martyn Alvey, cabinet member with responsibility for Public Protection at Cornwall Council, said: “Our Officers have been out and about following up reports from the public, and are concerned that this group are targeting older residents.
“We urge residents to be extremely cautious of agreeing to work following a cold-call at the door. Where possible, only use trusted businesses, such as those who are members of the Trading Standards Buy With Confidence scheme.”
Gary Webster, Group Leader of Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards team, said: “The law requires that traders who agree services at your home must provide written information about the contract and services they are offering.
“This must include a 14-day cooling-off period in which you can change your mind. They should not be pressuring residents to agree work to start immediately.”
