an innovative scheme designed to protect older and vulnerable people from being exploited by unscrupulous traders has now been launched.

The Home Services Directory has been set up by Age Concern in York, in partnership with City of York Trading Standards, Safer York Partnership and North Yorkshire Police.

Older and vulnerable people who are considering employing someone to carry out work on their property now have access to a list - the "Directory" - of traders such as builders, joiners, electricians, decorators and gardeners.

All the traders on the list have undergone a rigorous assessment process, including checks by Trading Standards and the police. They have also provided references and details of their charges, and agreed to prioritise work for older people.

In the event of any problems with their work, these traders have also agreed to submit the complaint to a conciliation service operated by City of York Trading Standards.

Colin Rumford, head of Trading Standards, said: "We know a minority of companies use underhand methods to take advantage of vulnerable people, and cause misery to those they exploit.

"For many older people, finding a reliable tradesperson can be a minefield. Too often vulnerable consumers are taken in by unscrupulous or incompetent traders, because it is difficult to distinguish bad traders from those who are skilled and reliable.

"We also receive complaints that people are pressurised into having work done by traders who knock on their door, or visit as a result of an unsolicited phone call, only to find the work is extortionately expensive and badly done.

"Last year the Office of Fair Trading recorded about 100,000 complaints of poor quality domestic building work, and the Government is stepping up its campaign against cowboys.

"We are delighted to have an opportunity to take positive steps to promote a local scheme to ensure that older and vulnerable people in York have access to traders who operate in a fair and honest way and will maintain consistently good standards of workmanship."

Anyone who would like a free copy of the Directory should telephone Age Concern York (Tel 01904 627995) or City of York Trading Standards (Tel 01904 551562). Traders interested in applying to be listed in The Home Services Directory can contact Age Concern on 01904 627995.

For advice about unsatisfactory service or any other consumer problem please contact York Trading Standards by calling at 9 St Leonard's Place or telephone 01904 551562. Fax 01904 551511.