A WARNING has been issued to West Devon residents by Devon County Council Trading Standards Service, which has received a number of complaints about traders calling door-to-door in Devon, offering to repair and resurface driveways. Sometimes prices are quoted but when the job is done the homeowner is asked to pay much more or gangs ask for cash up front and then disappear without completing the work. Trading Standards have also had complaints that work carried out is not up to standard, leaving the home-owner to carry out costly repairs or replacement. Devon County Council's fair trading manager, Peter Greene, said: "When a trader cold-calls, the consumer is normally entitled to a seven day cooling-off period and the trader is required, by law, to give a written notice of cancellation rights. However, in the case of tarmac gangs calling door to door, often no cancellation rights notice is given and the householder is pressurised into having the work done quickly. 'Our advice is not to let unannounced cold-callers into your home and, if you feel intimidated, telephone the police immediately.'
