Watch out for bogus roofers targeting elderly

The fairs allowed Pendle’s pensioners a chance to meet representatives from key advice agencies, check up on their health and feel a little pampered.

Most people took advantage of free blood pressure checks and a relaxing hand and foot massage carried out by Inside Spa staff.

Barnoldswick Co-op donated sandwiches and Barnoldswick Seniors’ Pop-In Group volunteers were rushed off their feet all day making tea and coffee.

Thanks to everyone who helped.

Both events were really well attended with over 300 in total.

Many told me how useful it had been for them, learning about services they did not know existed and receiving advice they could act on straight away.

However, one worrying issue that came up was a scam where vulnerable pensioners are being targeted by cheating cold calling roofers.

Trading Standards, who had one of the busiest stalls, see Pendle as a hotbed for such scammers and are warning of the dangers.

They dealt with over 100 complaints last year about bogus selling, high-pressure doorstep sales and poor work in our area alone.

Trading Standards have brought several locally based roofers to court. For example, two pleaded guilty to aggressive practices against a lady from Colne in her 80s just last week and will be sentenced soon. Several others have or will soon face justice.

Elderly residents and their friends really need to be on their guard against this appalling type of behaviour.

Seeing how successful the fairs were, I will be organising similar events in other parts of Pendle after the worst of the winter weather.

In the meantime, if anyone has a problem they need my help with, please do get in touch.