Unscrupulous workmen who prey on vulnerable old people are a despicable bunch who ought to be set in their own concrete.

The horror stories about so-called cowboy builders charging horribly-inflated fees for work which was either sub-standard or did not even need doing, are legion.

There have even been instances of these evil characters offering to give free inspections of roofing or guttering, and actually deliberately damaging the structure while up their out of sight so that repair work has to be carried out.

Honest, reliable builders must shudder at how their trade is being dragged into disrepute. Yet, no matter how many warnings are given, the cowboys are still out their riding the rooftops.

So the idea of a telephone helpline to stamp out the rip-offs is particularly welcome.

Jack Hughes, a former Tadcaster building company chief, is so concerned that he has offered to set up the service himself and says free help and advice from experts could stop the con men.

The service he advocates includes advice on what work needs to be done, a black list of cowboy operators and help on grants that might be available.

Mr Hughes' scheme is to be commended, but has to be completely independent and the operator must have no vested interest.

People must have the confidence to know that when they pick up the phone and book a builder for urgent repairs or even alterations, that builder will do a reasonable job at a fair price.

It would be in the interests of respectable builders to help Mr Hughes set up such a helpline to restore trust and faith in their industry.

see NEWS 'Call for helpline on cowboy builders'

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