LANCASHIRE has become a target for cowboy builders and workmen, who are short-changing hundreds of people.

According to Lancashire County Council's trading standards department, the rogue workmen have been offering to carry out a variety of work including building repairs, roofing and driveway maintenance.

But often the itinerant traders disappear before completing the job.

At best, the work is sub-standard.

Now Trading Standards bosses have drawn a checklist of points to make sure customers get a good deal.

Consumers are advised to:

Only deal with reputable traders who have fixed premises; Get several written quotes for comparison;

Ask for examples of previous work;

Get details in writing including name and address of the builder and a written final cost;

Avoid temptation of special offers or fall for lines such as 'a grant may be available.'

Only pay up when the job is completed in full - and to a satisfactory standard.

County Coun Chris Cheetham, chairman of the finance and general purposes sub-committee, said: "Householders must be very wary of itinerant home improvers.

"Simply having a nice van with a mobile phone number or logo on the side does not guarantee a good job.

"The government is concerned about cowboy builders who do poor work for high prices and are looking to improve the laws against such traders.

"However, at the moment, door-to-door drive tarmacers, gutter and facia replacers are on the prowl in Lancashire and householders are advised to deal only with reputable, well-established builders."

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