Nottinghamshire Trading Standards have received reports of a trader cold calling residents and trying to sell ‘left over’ tarmac.

Trading Standards advise to never buy goods from anyone who cold calls at your door. If you do not know the person do not answer your door, say ‘NO’ and call the police if they will not leave.

Any genuine callers will be happy to wait while you verify who they are before you speak to them. 

If you want work doing on your home or garden, Trading Standards advise that you obtain at least 3 quotes from different businesses before you agree to any works being done. This should provide the name and address of the trader, along with the work they will undertake, and will help you ensure that you are being charged a reasonable price for the work.

You can ask your friends and family for recommendations, or you can obtain free ‘pre-shopping advice’ by contacting the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133. Alternatively, you can find approved traders on Buy with Confidence https://www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk/.

If you are concerned about any work you have had done, or by unwanted callers at your door, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

Door stickers advising callers that you will not engage with them or buy at the door are available free of charge from Trading Standards here: 

Get a 'no uninvited callers' sign for your door | Nottinghamshire County Council