Cowboy tradesmen frozen off list

It is hoped the register will be up and running by Spring

A "good guys" list of property repairers is being drawn up in County Durham to protect homeowners from cold-calling cowboy tradesmen.

The registered trader scheme aims to make it easier for people to select a builder, plumber or decorator.

Durham County Council's Trading Standards Service is working with other groups to devise a vetting procedure for tradesmen wishing to register.

It is hoped the list will be up and running by spring.

In the meantime, people are being warned to be on their guard when answering the door to unexpected callers.

Philip Holman, the county council's head of trading standards, said: "We would urge all householders not to employ cold callers offering to do repairs.

"At first, it may seem as if they are a Good Samaritan, but this may just be a front.

"If any work is carried out, it may be unnecessary and of poor quality, and if anything goes wrong such traders can rarely be traced."