Rogue traders pray on the elderly in Betws-y-Coed

Jun 17 2010 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

Rogue Tarmac traders pray on the elderly in Betws-y-Coed

AN ELDERLY couple have issued a warning after they became victims of rogue traders passing themselves off as highway workmen in Betws-y-Coed.

The couple in their 80s got the shock of their lives when they returned from a day out with friends to find their driveway half resurfaced and an unwanted bill of £1,500.

“We were approached early in the morning at our home,” said the 82-year-old ex-university lecturer, who asked to remain anonymous.

“My wife answered the door to a man in a high visibility jacket who said they were working on roadworks on the A470 near Llanrwst and could resurface our driveway.

“I spoke with the man and he told me it would cost £20 per square metre to do our drive with leftover material from the A470 scheme.

“I very foolishly told them we were on our way out for the day and that I would make a decision when we returned at 4pm and for them to come back then. But I didn’t consent to the work taking place.”

While out, the couple stopped at the roadworks site on the A470 and spoke to the scheme’s foreman, who informed the pensioners they did not offer such a service and they should contact the police straight away, which they did.

But by the time the couple returned home it was too late – the con men had already resurfaced half their drive and were waiting for payment.

“This has been a horrible experience for us,” continued the 82-year-old.

“We have been left with intrusive and uninvited work which will cost thousands to put right.”

Local bobby PC Mark Walmsley dealt with the case. He said: “We were able to seize a lorry and roller from men claiming to be from the A470 roadworks scheme thanks to information supplied by the couple in Betws-y-Coed.

“These men really made a pig’s ear of their drive and even left someone behind to collect the £1,500 bill.

“We are working with Conwy Trading Standards to help warn others of the dangers of bogus callers and rogue traders operating in the area.

“There will be others who had this done and might be too afraid to come forward.”

Phone North Wales Police on 101 or Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.