The days of being unsure about which local traders can be trusted are now a thing of the past, with the launch of the new Trader Register in Herefordshire.

The register has been officially launched to coincide with October’s Rogue Trader Awareness Campaign, which has seen Herefordshire Council and West Mercia Police working together to not only catch illegitimate traders in the act, but also to inform the public of their right to say no to people who call uninvited at their home.

Richard Gabb, Herefordshire Council’s Assistant Director for Homes & Community Services, said: “At a time when we’re working with partner agencies to reduce rogue trading and cold calling across the county, the implementation of a Trader Register by Herefordshire Council’s Trading Standards and Private Sector Housing Teams is a welcome development.”

He continued: “It aims to reassure the public by providing advice and information on employing a local trader, whilst also ensuring that businesses registered with the scheme have clearly demonstrated their commitment to fair and honest trading practices and delivering a good standard of customer service.”

Charles Yarnold, Herefordshire Council’s Principal Housing Enforcement Officer, said: “We constantly monitor the register to ensure it’s accurate and up to date and welcome customer feedback.  If there’s a particular trader you would like to see included on the register, please let us know and we’ll invite them to join the scheme.  However, for those traders who let us or our customers down, they’ll find themselves automatically removed from the list.”

James Ostler, Director of Positive Environmental Ltd, said: “We were delighted to be the first contractor to successfully join the Herefordshire Trader Register.  Customer service and all that it entails are core principles of our business ethos and therefore it was a natural decision to join.”

He added: “We understand that consumers are wary when selecting a trader or contractor, which is why the Trader Register will not only help to reassure the public but will also build confidence in legitimate local traders.”

The Trader Register is free to both residents and businesses and is available at www.traderregister.org.uk/herefordshire, while additional information for homeowners can be obtained from the Private Sector Housing Team at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/psh.

For members of the public who are approached by cold callers or suspected rogue traders, please immediately report the details to Trading Standards on 08454 04 05 06 or West Mercia Police (non emergency) on 101.