lcox@thekmgroup.co.uk

Trading standards officers are warning people to be wary of rogue traders operating in Medway.

A number of complaints have been received about workmen who claim to specialise in installing dropped kerbs.

Medway Council officers said the tradesmen are misleading people in terms of the type of permission required to do the work as well as making them part with their money in advance.
Installing dropped kerbs requires permission from the authority and the work must be carried out by a contractor with the necessary documents and accreditation.
In some cases, permission cannot be given.
To avoid falling prey to these rogue traders, people are advised to only use a company that is reputable, such as one on Medway Council’s Fair Trader scheme.
The scheme gives residents access to fair and honest contractors, saving time, money and stress.
If a company is part of the scheme it means it will obey the law, contracts will be fair and written in plain English.
Pricing will not be misleading, itemised invoices will be provided, and the peace of mind that work will not be carried out without the home owner’s permission.
Cllr Rehman Chishti, portfolio holder for community safety and enforcement, said: “I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to use a Fair Trader.
“It is a real shame there are companies out there willing to con the residents of Medway.
“Luckily, the Fair Trader scheme gives people confidence that the work is being carried out by a reputable company.”