 Traders will have to meet strict criteria |
A register of reliable trades people has been published by trading standards officers in Torbay. It is aimed at protecting older people from so-called "cowboys" who charge huge sums for shoddy work.
More than 50 traders have signed up for the Home Maintenance Register, the first of its kind in Devon.
If the scheme is successful it will be rolled out across the South West.
Strict criteria
Unlike other schemes, the companies do not have to put money in to join, but do have to meet strict criteria.
Richard Green from Torbay Trading Standards is monitoring the scheme.
He said: "The traders have to want to be on the scheme, it's not just a case of a trader being able to pay a registration fee.
"I have spoken to a number on the scheme and they feel it is good that trading standards are involved because we are good at identifying the bad boys."
Councillor Colin Charlwood, from Torbay Council, said: "There have been many reports of elderly people being approached by conmen, so anything that is going to prevent that is a marvellous thing."
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