A charity has declared high noon on the cowboy builders who target Bradford's vulnerable pensioners.

Age Concern today launched a pilot scheme that it hopes will put an end to the elderly being ripped off by rogue traders who charge them hundreds of pounds for a few hours work.

The scheme, which is one of four trials taking place across the country, will involve compiling list of accredited builders and tradesmen who will be checked out and recommended by the charity.

Carol Wooller, Age Concern's Bradford and Districts chief officer, said: "It is time we all joined together to run the cowboys out of town.

"They cause distress, inconvenience and serious financial loss to vulnerable older people and their families.

"They damage the reputation of the decent professionals because even those older people who do not suffer directly are put off having work done because of stories they have heard.

"Age concern is a name that the older people of Bradford know and trust. This initiative will ensure that older people will be able to use the contractors and traders who are in our scheme with peace of mind."

Each tradesman taking part in the scheme must provide three references from customers in the last year, be fully insured, sign up to a code of practice, and agree to Age Concern making site inspections of their work.

If the scheme is a success it could be copied on a national level. West Yorkshire Trading standards officer Graham Hebblethwaite welcomed the scheme saying that any move to stop the cowboys was a step in the right direction.

He said: "Any scheme that helps give confidence to people when they are having any home improvements done must be welcomed.

"We have examples of complaints in the past where people have fallen foul of poor quality work or been over charged. Unfortunately vulnerable groups such as the elderly are particularly targeted."

The scheme has also been backed by pensioner Peter Butterworth, 69, who paid £1,800 to have his drive asphalted but couldn't find the workmen when it started to crumble.

He said: "I think it's a good idea. Anything that can be done to stop the rogues has got to be beneficial. If Age Concern think they can help then I'd definitely back them."

The charity is now looking for builders, architects, surveyors, plumbers and electricians to sign up to the scheme by contacting the scheme's co-ordinator Jill Griffiths on 01274 395144.

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