By Isle of Wight Observer
Island residents are being urged to remain vigilant, after reports of rogue traders falsely claimed to be working with the IW Council and Island Roads.
Cold callers have approached homes and businesses in the Newport and Cowes areas, offering to carry out resurfacing work using a supposed surplus of tarmac. The council has confirmed that this is not the case and has warned people not to engage with such traders.
These individuals often target elderly or vulnerable residents and demand immediate payment for poor quality or incomplete work; businesses have also been approached. The IW Council’s Trading Standards team has issued a warning and urged Islanders to be cautious.
James Potter, trading standards and community safety manager, said: “Island residents should always be very wary of rogue traders who cold call. In our experience, they are often unqualified conmen who will overcharge for unnecessary repairs or services.”
Under consumer law, cold callers must provide a cancellation notice giving residents 14 days to cancel any agreement over £42. Failure to do so is a criminal offence.
Residents are advised not to engage with doorstep traders, and to seek at least two written quotes for any work. Trading Standards operate a trader approval scheme, which vets businesses for legal compliance.
Island Roads also confirmed they do not cold call or sell services door-to-door. Suspected rogue traders should be reported immediately to Trading Standards on 823371 or Island Roads on 822440.