Stay Safe

Fears that vulnerable city residents could fall foul of scammers as Spring kicks in has led to an SOS for reputable gardeners to lend a hand.

Charities including Age UK are often asked by those using their services to put them in touch with reliable gardening services. However, due to fears that some residents are being scammed by rogue traders who simply knock on doors touting for work, which continues to happen year on year, city consumer champion Eileen Le Voi, director of Safe Local Trades, has stepped in to try and help. She said: “Unfortunately, there is no local authority funding to ensure that charities looking after the interests of the elderly and vulnerable have the budget to provide these services – and sadly, too many residents fall foul of the rogues. “Safe Local Trades covers a core area of the PE postcode district, from Spalding to St Neots and Stamford to Wisbech. “With regular requests for garden maintenance across all areas, we are unable to currently meet the needs of our elderly customers with their request for a recommendation. This increases their risk of becoming a victim to unscrupulous cold callers." Eileen works alongside charities and local authorities who rely on Safe Local Trades to recommend professionals to their users. She added: “The problem we currently have is that our Safe Local Trades recommended garden maintenance members are so busy that they are unable to take on new, urgent jobs or provide regular garden maintenance across the many areas. Eileen added: “Sadly, Age UK had its funding for providing gardening services withdrawn some time ago, and so heavily relies on organisations like Safe Local Trade to step in to assist residents.” She is now appealing to PE postcode gardening businesses, who wish to join existing members to help meet the supply and demand for gardeners. Safe Local Trades is also a partner of The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Against Scams Partnership (CAPASP) - a partnership of organisations committed to taking a stand against scams and aims to make Cambridgeshire and Peterborough a scam-free ounty. As part of her role with CAPASP, Eileen is the resident expert on doorstep crime for the past 14 years. Safe Local Trades has been showcasing tried, tested and reliable tradespeople in and around Peterborough – and some of its own members have come to the aid of vulnerable city residents who have been duped out of cash by cowboy builders and other rogue workmen. If you are a reputable gardener, who is prepared to be vetted, to join our register of reputable local tradespeoples, please go to www.safelocaltrades.com/ become-a-member or call 0800 014 1832 to register your interest. By Eileen Le Voi

Safe Local Trades has a number of tried and tested reliable tradesmen who can carry out a range of property improvements that can save you money, as well as those who specialise in energy saving solutions for your home or business. www.safelocaltrades.com