City of York Council’s Trading Standards Officers have received a number of complaints from York residents about a gang carrying out roofing repairs.

The complainants – most of whom are in their 80’s – claim that they have been pressurised into agreeing to unnecessary repairs after being led to believe that their roofs are in poor condition.

There appears to be patterns emerging in the gang’s approach. In some cases residents have been told that birds have been seen coming from the roof, in others the householder has been persuaded to allow the traders to clean their gutters and then have been told that a problem has been spotted. Some complainants report that they have been cajoled into allowing a loft inspection only to be told that the insulation is soaked through due to leaks.

Anyone who been approached in this way is urged to contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454 040 506.

The Council is also aware that some traders are not leaving the paperwork that is required by law and which gives consumers notice that they have a seven-day cooling off period. It is important that consumers are made aware of this right, as it gives people time to think about their decision, get other quotes, check value for money and establish if the work is necessary in the first place.