Showing the door to rogue traders

Staff are setting up a new directory to make it easier for older people to find reputable tradesmen, products and services.

It will be launched this summer to deal with the real worries older people have about being targeted by rogue traders.

Businesses who join will be vetted by Age UK staff through references and Trading Standards and will sign an customer charter.

Any products or services used by older people can feature on directory, from electricians and plumbers to gardeners and painters to cleaners and care service providers.

Judith Churley, from Age UK, said staff would use the directory to pass on company details to older people who call them for advice.

She said: “We get calls every day from people asking for help with anything from a small household jobs to fitting a new kitchen or bathroom.

“A plumber from Heckmondwike, who has already signed up for the directory, was recently called in to do some repair work on a boiler. He discovered it had only recently been installed but due to poor workmanship, it had already broken down and the homeowner had been unable to contact the original company. Our plumber fixed the problem and left the homeowner with his card should any further problems arise.

For more information visit www.aubd.co.uk or to join the West Yorkshire Directory, call Judith on 01484 535994 or email [email protected].