New scheme to avoid rogue traders

Traders attracting a lot of complaints will be unable to join

Businesses in Berkshire are urged to sign up to a new initiative aimed at helping the public avoid rogue traders.

Reading Borough Council is urging local businesses to join the "Buy with confidence" scheme and at the same time receive help to comply with the law.

Approved traders will have their names listed on www.buywithconfidence.info and will be subjected to stringent regular checks by trading standards.

Those attracting a lot of complaints will be banned from the scheme.

Steve Waite, lead councillor for consumer affairs, said: "This is a great local initiative that will give additional protection to consumers and particularly the vulnerable and elderly.

"Because it is run locally, fly-by-night and cowboy traders will not be able to access the scheme which will give much greater security to consumers."