A ROGUE builder from Kingswinford has been ordered to pay more than £7,000 for carrying out shoddy work and using aggressive and misleading commercial practices.

Simon Pound, trading as Complete Landscapes, of Oak Street, pleaded guilty to six offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and two offences under the Fraud Act 2006 at Dudley Magistrates Court in a case brought by Dudley Council’s trading standards team.

The court, sitting on October 26, heard Pound failed to notify two Halesowen customers of their cancellation rights relating to their orders, failed to provide them with paperwork and failed to carry out professional diligence in the carrying out of work involving building a wall and steps and the laying of paving and blocks.

When customers complained about the shoddy work, the builder threatened to remove the patios he had laid rather than correct the problems complained about.

The court imposed a 12-month community order with 200 hours of unpaid work and ordered him to pay full compensation amounting to £5,445 to the two complainants along with costs to Dudley Council of £2,361.

Councillor Rachel Harris, Dudley's cabinet member responsible for trading standards, said: “This prosecution sends a clear message that we will protect consumers from rogue traders who flout the law and carry out sub standard work.

“This kind of activity causes a huge amount of distress to the victims who have worked hard and saved to pay for improvements to their home and are then badly let down.”

Anyone suspicious of doorstep callers can call the borough's Bogus Caller Hotline on 01384 812045 to report an incident 24/7.

Dudley Council also operates a Fix a Home scheme in partnership with Age UK which lists local approved traders who provide services of a high standard at a fair cost.

Copies are available online at http://www.dudley.gov.uk/resident/your-council/trading-standards/fix-a-home/