Kent Trading Standards Alert: Tarmacing work in Lydd and Sellinge

Kent Trading Standards have become aware of recent activity in the Lydd and Sellindge area by a group of approximately 5 men cold calling businesses and residents and offering to do driveway tarmacing work. Whilst this practice is not illegal, our experience is that the work carried out is often of very poor quality and overpriced.

The traders have been seen using a white flatbed truck and a white tar sprayer vehicle. In some cases the traders have informed the consumers that the materials they use are left over from bigger jobs they have just finished in the area. Reported incidents suggest that no documentation, including a notice of cancellation rights for consumers, is being offered by the trader.

Kent Trading Standards advise consumers and businesses to be wary when dealing with traders at their door. Consider carefully whether you do want the goods or services offered.

For consumers, if you agree to buy anything costing over £35 from a trader at your door, the law gives you a 7 day "cooling off" period to change your mind. The trader must give you a written cancellation notice if you agree to have any work done. Failure to give this notice is a crime.

If you are considering work in or on your property it is always best to get at least a couple of quotes from traders. You can find reputable traders on the "Buy With Confidence" good trader scheme run by us. Officers vet all traders on the scheme for trustworthiness and to ensure they comply with consumer protection laws. Or, ask for recommendations from friends or family.

To report any concerns you have or for details of Buy With Confidence traders call Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 0808 156 2256. You can also visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk for a list of traders.