A ROGUE trader has been convicted for the second time and ordered to pay compensation to the victims, who lived in his village.

Roy Harris, 24, pleaded guilty to charges of failing to give a 14 day cooling off period to two Gorsley home owners for roofing work.

The case was taken by Herefordshire Council’s Trading Standards Service to Hereford Magistrates' Court.

Harris, of Jays Green Meadow in Gorsley, near Ross-on-Wye, had been convicted of similar offences three years ago which included four victims.

On this occasion, Harris cold called at the victims' homes, despite the fact they lived in a no cold calling zone.

Work such as repointing ridge tiles was completed very poorly and as one of the victims had paid in full up front the issue was reported to Trading Standards.

Harris was ordered by the court to refund one victim £360 and the other £350 in full within 28 days.

He was also fined £150, ordered to pay court costs of £150 and a victim surcharge of £20.

Herefordshire county councillor Graham Powell said: “Herefordshire Council has a zero tolerance policy on rogue trading and Trading Standards will work with our colleagues in the police to crack down on anyone preying on vulnerable residents."

Trading Standards advice is to never deal with cold callers on the telephone or at the door.

Rogue trading involves charging excessive prices for unnecessary and poor quality work and is not restricted to cold calling- some use flyers and normal advertising.

Canvassing for extra work once a small job has been agreed is another common scam, particularly for roofing work.

For reliable tradesmen Herefordshire Council operates a trader register of local businesses at www.traderregister.org.uk/herefordshire.

‘No cold caller’ window stickers are also available by calling 01432 261671.