IN THE aftermath of last week’s storm local residents are being urged to stay vigilant as reports emerge of rogue traders targeting local communities offering services to help with the clean up.
Police Scotland, a number of local tree-cutting professionals and SEPA, (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) registered companies have issued strong warnings on local social media about unqualified individuals across Argyll and Bute offering clean-up services, which pose significant safety risks.
Police Scotland revealed that individuals are going door to door distributing leaflets with false and misleading information, offering to remove fallen trees and clear debris.
Their statement read: “We have received reports that people are trying to take advantage of the destruction caused by the storm last week. We are aware that people are going door to door offering services to remove fallen trees and clean up debris from the storm. They are handing out leaflets that have false and misleading information on them. We understand people want to get things cleaned up and back to normal however we strongly advice you to be cautious.”
Police are advising locals not to feel pressurised into agreeing to immediate work or buying a product or service, not to agree to buy from the first person who calls, don’t pay cash up front, don’t offer to go and get money, to shop around if you decide you need work done, ask what your cancellation rights are and to report those who are not qualified to carry out the work.
Qualified tree-care professionals also echoed concerns this week on social media, stressing the importance of proper training and certification for tree removal work. They advised only individuals with proper tickets and training should be involved in tree cutting and residents have every right to request proof of such qualifications
Another area of concern centres around the clear up of debris from the storm and those who are qualified to collect and dispose of the waste. A statement from ClearUp a Dunoon based waste disposal company explained: “Please be wary of who you get to remove and dispose of your waste. Over the last few months we have been made aware of excessive fly tipping around Argyll and surrounding areas, this is not what we want. People who are offering to take your waste away for half the price of a fully licensed waste disposal company are most likely not SEPA registered, this means they will either be illegally using the local dump or fly tipping. If your waste is found after being fly tipped by someone you have paid to dispose of it, it will be you who has to pay the fine.”
Anyone encountering suspicious activity or misleading service offers is encouraged to contact Police Scotland or report the incident to Trading Standards.
