Building conmen prey on tenants

Rogue traders have been targeting Sandwell residents claiming to offer services as part of the current £425 million refurbishment of council homes.

Sandwell Homes has set out to bring every council-owned house and flat in the borough up to a Government standard by next year, and tenants are now being warned that some workmen have been gaining access to homes and offering quotes by falsely claiming to be council contractors.

Work is now going on around Wednesbury led by construction firm Taylor Woodrow and other contractors as part of the Decent Homes programme, which has already seen overhauls of high rise blocks, mais-onettes and houses.

Private householders who live next to council-owned houses being improved can get access to special deals to pay for similar improvements, such as re-roofing.

Wednesbury North's Councillor Elaine Costigan said some residents had been visited by workmen claiming to be from Taylor Woodrow-approved contractors, offering cash quotes and asking for deposits.

She said bosses behind the programme had also confirmed similar problems with bogus contractors trying to gain access to properties in other areas of Sandwell..

Sandwell Homes has warned residents that all Sandwell Homes or construction partner employees wear identity cards which should be checked.