THE danger of doing dodgy doorstep deals with traders is being hammered home to Dudley borough residents.

Dudley Council's trading standards office has launched a month-long campaign to raise awareness of unscrupulous traders in the borough.

The campaign follows this year's Rogue Trader Day, on May 21, when trading standards and police officers took to Dudley borough streets to stop and question traders while they were working on properties.

Val Laville, principal trading standards officer, said: "Thankfully, traders in the borough stopped this year were legitimate.

"But we know, by the number of complaints we receive, that there are rogue traders out there willing to rip people off and we are determined to put a stop to it."

One of the recent calls received by Dudley trading standards came from Mrs Lily Dunn of Colley Gate, Halesowen.

Mrs Dunn, aged 87, rang trading standards officers after a cold caller finished revamping her drive and demanded an extra £1,000 for work she says he did not do.

Mrs Dunn said: "When he came I thought it was a good deal, there was nothing to make me think it was dodgy but I didn't get what he promised.

"It took a lot of courage to call trading standards but when they came it was like my next door neighbours talking to me.

"I don't think I shall trust doorstep callers again."

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for the environment, said: "Rogue traders will invariably cold call, sometimes after leafleting a street touting for work.

"They will often befriend the resident pointing out urgent work that needs to be carried out using props such as broken tiles that have allegedly fallen from the roof.

"They will often quote a low price which will invariably increase as the work is carried out.

Trading standards prosecute dodgy dealers where necessary but are also keen to raise awareness of rogue traders, to prevent people being conned in the first place.

Over the next month Dudley trading standards and the police are running a number of roadshows to prevent other borough residents falling foul of dodgy traders.

The roadshows will be held on Tuesday June 3 at the Cornbow Centre, Halesowen, Thursday June 12 at The Cooperative supermarket, Sedgley, and Wednesday June 18 at Market Place, Dudley, all the show will run from 10.30m to 3.30pm.

Alternatively, for further advice on choosing a reputable trader, people can call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.