NEARLY 1,400 traders have now signed up to a scheme to stop people being ripped off by ‘cowboy’ tradesmen.

People are being urged to check that traders who offer to do work on their homes are members of the Lancashire’s Help Direct Safe Trader scheme.

The scheme, which was established in October 2009 by Lancashire County Council and Help Direct, helps people in Lancashire to find out whether a trader will treat them fairly.

All who have joined the scheme have promised to treat their customers honestly.

Janice Hanson, the council’s cabinet member for public protection and waste, said: “Summer is a particularly popular time for traders to tout for business. While many traders may be honest, it's a sad fact that some aren't.

“However, before agreeing to having any work done on their home, indoors or outside, I would strongly advise people to check whether the trader is a member of the county's Safe Trader scheme.

“Those traders who have joined the scheme have signed up to treating their customers fairly and honestly.

County Coun Hanson added: "I understand how difficult it can be for people if a trader knocks on their door out of the blue telling them that there's an urgent problem with their drive or roof. But I would urge them to take their time and not agree to anything until they feel sure about it.

"Since it was launched in October 2009, the Safe Trader scheme has gone from strength to strength.

“And all the evidence suggests that the traders who've joined the scheme benefit from being a member."

A quick check of the Safe Trader register could save householders an awful lot of grief and money To find out more about the scheme visit www.safetrader. org.uk or call Help Direct on 0303 333 1111.