Rogue trader warning after pensioner con

Householders in Shrewsbury have been warned about a gang of rogue traders operating in Bayston Hill after they targeted an 86-year-old woman. She was given an initial quote to have her drive resurfaced.

But trading standards officers said £2,000 was demanded on completion - significantly more than she was led to believe would be charged.

The men took the elderly woman in one of their vehicles to collect money from the bank to pay for the work - then left her "stranded and confused" in Shrewsbury town centre after she handed over the cash.

Officers said the quality of the work was very poor.

Two men were arrested in connection with the incident and have been released on bail pending inquiries.

Officials said notices of cancellation rights required by law were not issued to householders in Bayston Hill, but a prompt reaction from officers and police saw one householder get his £100 deposit back.

County council enforcement team manager Fran- ces Darling said: "Traders frequently breach consumer protection and fraud legislation in these cases and the task of bringing these criminals to court is made much easier when we are able secure reliable evidence.

"We know that householders may be embarrassed or frightened to come forward but they will be treated sympathetically at all times."

Councillor John Hurst-Knight, cabinet member for waste and economy, said doorstep criminals may take advantage of better weather to target the vulnerable.