A WORDSLEY window fitter has been landed with a court bill for thousands of pounds after making false claims.

In August of 2017, Brett Allsop, trading as Allglaze Windows, put windows into a Brierley Hill property having advertised himself as being a member of the Certass Competent Person Scheme.

However he felt the pain of an investigation by Dudley Trading Standards after the householder raised concerns about his use of the logo,

Allsop, aged 58, of Buttermere Close, pleaded guilty at Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court to offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and to one offence of making a false representation under the Fraud Act 2006.

Allsop was fined a total of £5,600 and ordered to pay £1,949 costs, £160 compensation to the complainant, and a victim surcharge of £120.

Martin Samuels, Dudley Council’s strategic director for people, said: "This result should be seen as a warning to all traders who carry out work, and who may be tempted to use logos or quality marks that they have no right to use.

"Dudley Trading Standards will not hesitate to investigate where traders mislead consumers into believing that they hold active membership when this is not the case. Quality marks are designed precisely to protect members of the public from rogue traders."

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.