A rogue builder who carried out work to a poor standard has been prosecuted in a case brought by Dudley Trading Standards.

Alan Tromans, 73, who traded as Westmids Construction Ltd, pleaded guilty at Wolverhampton Crown Court on 2 March 2020 to offences contrary to the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

The court heard how he failed to demonstrate “professional diligence” when he obtained just over £31,000 for work to a consumer’s house that was left unfinished and of poor quality. He also attempted to obtain an additional fee of just under £19,000 to complete work that he’d originally been contracted for. This would have resulted in the consumer paying out £51,000 in total.

When the work was inspected by an independent surveyor, the true cost of the work, if it had been completed correctly, should have cost no more than £31,000. The surveyor also identified remedial repairs of £10,500 that needed to be carried out to correct the work undertaken by Tromans.

In addition, Tromans pleaded guilty to making a false representation that the price for the work that he’d quoted the consumer for was a fair and reasonable price, when it was not.

Tromans also pleaded guilty to making a false representation that at the time the offences were committed he was trading as a limited company, when his company had in fact been dissolved sometime previously. The court also heard how the victim was not given his cancellation rights as required under the regulations.

On 8 June 2020, Tromans appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court and was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years. He was also ordered to pay the consumer £5,000 in compensation. Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health & adult social care, said:

"This prosecution sends out a clear message we will protect consumers from the activity of rogue traders who flout the law and carry out unnecessary and sub standard work.

"This kind of activity causes a huge amount distress to the victims who have worked hard and saved to pay for repairs to their homes and are then badly let down."

Dudley Council has a number of services set up to protect residents from rogue traders. Anyone who is suspicious of doorstep callers can call the Bogus Caller Hotline on 01384 812045 to report an incident 24/7. 

In addition Dudley Trading Standards, in partnership with Age UK Dudley, offers the Fix a Home list of local approved traders who provide services of a high standard at a fair cost. Copies are available on the council website.