Rogue trader hit with first enforcement order in Walsall

Andrew Yeomans, of 31 Silver Court, Brownhills, was reported to Walsall Council's trading standards team by furious residents who complained that he had taken payment for landscaping work that he either failed to complete or didn't start.

In some cases he had taken 90 per cent of his complete pay for unfinished work and in other cases he took deposits but never started the job.

Yeomans, who traded under the name External Dimensions, has now been hit with a County Court Enforcement Order which bans him from carrying out any work without reasonable care and skill or to act in a negligent manner.

If further claims are made against Yeomans, he faces going to jail.

Walsall Council's portfolio holder for community protection, said: "This is a really positive result for Walsall Trading Standards and the people of Walsall.

"Part of my role is to protect our residents and the order sends a stark warning to rogue traders that the council and the courts will enforce if they do not meet the statutory standards required of them.

"Breach the conditions and you could face imprisonment, a hefty fine or have your assets seized."

In addition, the Order requires Mr Yeomans to furnish his customers with certain paperwork including the right to cancel and not mislead consumers in any advertising.

David Elrington, regulatory services manager at Walsall Council added: "We always strive to work together with businesses to resolve complaints and most cases we are successful. "However, in cases where traders, such as Mr Yeomans, do not respond, and continue to deliberately flout their contractual obligations and the law we will take the firmest possible action”