Run cowboys out of town

Sir,

The Government has recently issued a consultation document on combating cowboy builders. It will be some time before its recommendations are finalised. I am certain it will not have any effect on combating cowboy builders, as much as I would like it to work.

It's a non-starter. Builders are recommended to become members of this Government scheme, at a cost to the builder of £500. Certainly no cowboy will become a member, therefore, all the cowboys are still out there conning vulnerable people, especially the elderly.

Why would a reputable builder need to join a Government scheme to combat cowboy builders, if the builder is reliable and works to a high standard?

The scheme will probably cost millions to implement and is not getting at the cowboys in any form.

The real problem is not registered builders but the bogus doorstep-callers who convince homeowners they need urgent work done on roofs, by intimidating the elderly or housewives while their husbands or boyfriends are at work.

They cause damage to property, collect the cash and disappear, leaving the homeowner needing a builder to put right the damage.

Now the homeowner is terrified of the real builder in case she has hired another cowboy.

The solution is to start at the other end of the scale. Forget having builders becoming members of an organisation to combat cowboys.

We have done three years research on how a cowboy operates. We have worked with them and socialised with them.

There is only one way to stop them working and that is to give full information to the homeowner.

For a small membership fee, we will be a homeowner's representative and report back to the homeowner whether the builder is reputable or a cowboy.

This is a sure way of combating cowboy builders and bogus trades persons.

William Gleeson

Home Consultancy Services

Worcester Park

Surrey