VOLUNTEERS from Lancaster and Morecambe are needed for a new army being formed to wage war on rogue traders.

Up to 1,000 people are being recruited nationwide for the new Campaign Against Rogue Traders (CART).

It aims to see cowboy firms heading for the hills within a matter of weeks.

The scheme is the brainchild of John Robins, who says it will be simple and free for all consumers to use He says: "We are all at risk of being ripped off unless we have a word-of-mouth recommendation from a friend or relative. With this scheme, we can all share our experiences of good firms on a local level."

John explains that, through CART, anyone who needs a plumber will be able call and find out who the good guys are.

Local businesses will be invited to join the scheme free and be recommended based on feedback from their customers. If a trader conducts business in an unsatisfactory way, he or she will be removed from the scheme and competitors will reap the extra work.

"The opportunity to be a local CART rep is open to anyone who can answer a mobile during the day. We are looking for people who can offer a service to the community. You don't need to be sat behind a desk all day as you can be just as effective if you are on the school run or doing the shopping."

John reckons the scheme is sure to become popular with consumers because it is impossible to stop cowboy firms from setting up in business but it is possible to beat them by stopping people from inviting them into their homes.

To find out more about working as a CART representative, e-mail the campaign at Stoptherogues@aol.com