POLICE in South Kent have issued an appeal following reports from residents who have been approached by men offering to tarmac and repair driveways.

In a joint operation with trading standards, police have arrested two men who were travelling in a black and white Iveco flat bed lorry. The vehicle has a dirty bowser on the back.

The men have been arrested for driving with no insurance and on suspicion of trading standards offences.

Police have had reports from High Halden, Mersham, Cranbrook and Bilsington from people who have been approached by men offering to do tarmacing at a cheap rate, but when the job is completed residents are then told that the quote was per square yard.

One report was from elderly residents who do not wish to be identified. They were charged over £4,000 for work. There have been reports of threatening behaviour to secure payments.

“We would like to speak to anyone who has been approached by men offering to tarmac or repair driveways, and have been charged more than was originally agreed.” Said Sgt Jay Allen, Ashford Police. “It is believed that there have been a number of this type of incident all over the South Coast of England recently.”

If you have information that can help the Police and Trading Standards with this investigation, contact South Kent Police on 01303 289180.

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