Beware of cowboy gas fitters

 

 

And Powys County Council has urged householders to ‘shop a cowboy gas fitter’. The council’s Trading Standards Service has teamed up with Gas Safe Register and the Trading Standards Institute in a campaign to crack down on rogue traders and urges anyone who suspects an illegally working gas fitter to report them to the Register.

 

The campaign revealed that illegal gas fitters are targeting homes across the country and potentially leaving them with unsafe appliances.

 

Cllr Geraint Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Regulation, said: “We are very concerned by these figures and I would urge anyone affected by rogue traders to get in touch with us or with Gas Safe Register who can then crack down on people.

 

“If you need work done in your home, don’t use someone who drops in a leaflet or comes to your doorstep to offer their services – they could be anyone. Gas and cowboys can be a lethal mix and I urge anyone who needs to have work done in their home to not only make sure the trader carries a Gas Safe card but that they check the back of the card where it states what appliances the gas engineer is qualified to work on.”

 

Phil Brewster of Gas Safe Register, said: “In order to be sure you are employing a qualified expert, always use a Gas Safe Registered engineer. They always carry a Gas Safe ID card and you can double check they are legitimate by calling the free helpline on 0800 408 5500 or by going to www.gassaferegister.co.uk. It is worth taking care and being gas safe – it could save your life.”