Traders scheme goes online (From Surrey Comet)

Traders scheme goes online

9:00am Saturday 20th March 2010 in

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A flagship scheme to tackle the problem of rogue traders has gone online in a bid to make Sutton a no go zone for doorstep crime.

The Safer Sutton Trader Scheme was set up in 2008 to give residents who employ traders to carry out work in their homes access to a list of reputable businesses, who have been vetted to ensure they are honest and professional.

Now with the arrival of the spring weather which traditionally sees a rise in cowboy traders cold calling at homes, the scheme has gone online More than 60 traders, including plumbers, carpenters, roofers and general builders, have already signed up.

The council checks their references, qualifications and their insurance details and this year mandatory criminal record checks were introduced.

Darren Plumridge, owner of Cheam-based D Plumridge Professional Driveway and Patio Construction, one of the companies to sign up, said: “As a business, it allows us to compete on a level playing field with our competitors, without being undercut by cowboys, who then go on to rip-off customers and carry out substandard work.”

Councillor Colin Hall, executive member for environment, said: “By choosing a trader from this scheme you are safe in the knowledge that you are protected from rogue traders.”