TRADING standards officers are warning of block paving “criminals” leaving a trail of sub-standard work.

The trading standards team at Bromley Council say they have recently been called out to a number incidents where block paving work has been carried out to an “appalling standard” by cold-calling builders.

Manager Rob Vale said: “One case is so bad we are now looking to take criminal proceedings against the individuals responsible.

“We have found cases where brick walls have been built on soil rather than a concrete footing.

“In many cases consumers are not being given details of their rights to cancel the contract which itself is a criminal offence."

Officers and councillors are now urging homeowners to think carefully about accepting offers for new driveways.

Chairman of the Bromley Safer Partnership, Councillor Colin Bloom, said: “Consumers should ask themselves whether it is worth the risk to have work done by one of these cold-calling traders rather than an established local builder.”