HOUSEHOLDERS who are considering having home improvements or repairs are being warned to avoid door-to-door 'cowboy' builders and repairers.

The move follows a growing number of complaints to Trading Standards.

Lancashire County Council Trading Standards Officers are particularly concerned about travelling plastic fascia and guttering repairers who call on households offering to do immediate work.

The work is usually of very poor quality, leaving leaking roofs and unconnected guttering. Traders offer five or 10 year guarantees, but as they are constantly moving and changing names, the guarantees are worthless. Trading Standards Chief Chris Cheetham, said: "Replacement uPVC gutters, windows and fascias have become very popular and many of the cowboy repairers have moved on from tarmac-laying in driveways into this lucrative new business. Many use vans and provide invoices and guarantees, which often only reveal mobile phone numbers.

"One unfortunate householder who rang to complain about a poor job was told that nothing would be done because the trader had 'won the lottery and retired.' Lancashire County Council believes the only lottery involved is the gamble householders take employing these cowboys.

"Householders should always shop around for repairs, using well established and reputable tradesmen. Written no-obligation quotes detailing the work and price should be obtained and, if necessary, checks can be made with our Trading Standards Department. Never pay money in advance on the doorstep. It is far better to seek out a local, permanently established tradesman to do this work."

For further information, contact David Brown, Deputy Chief Trading Standards Officer, on 01772 263565.