tarmac, gypsies, stupid me....HELP

[bobs]

Okay , so I got taken in by this very plausible young man today who, I was give to believe, worked for the same people as those doing work on the road. I've agreed to have some work done - I thought it would be just filling in pot-holes and would be done immediately. He has now disappeared and I now don't know what to do - Will I come home some time next week to a badly done new drive and a bill for £1000s - to be paid in cash immediately??????
How do I get out of it? I've phone the local police station (answering machine) and trading standards (getting back to me tomorrow). I've also parked my car at the end of the drive (will they just dump the making between the gate and the road? HELP!!!
Any ideas??

Ummmmm......I'd say that potentially you could be in a bit of a difficult position! Police i doubt will be interested because it is a civil matter whereby you've agreed to have work done on your property without agreeing what or how much. If there is no going back because you don't know contact details etc and the work is done then the person who's done the work can take civil action against you to make you pay if you don't voluntarily, you could then be lumbered with court costs. If they are dodgey then i doubt they'd go to these lengths, who knows they might do a fab job dirt cheap, try not to worry and sorry can't wave a magic wand.

Police are sometimes interested in catching rogue traders such as these, because they specialise in conning vulnerable people (such as the elderly) although obviously will con anyone they can! They could also be using stolen goods to carry out the work (probably are, actually).

You haven't signed anything, have you? And no money has changed hands? Then there's no contract yet so you aren't obliged to go ahead. I can't remember what the law is with regard to stuff you buy on your doorstep but there is a 'cooling off' period which allows you to change your mind for something like ten days ? trading standards should be able to fill you in on this.
If I were you, I'd try putting a sign by the entrance to your drive telling them you don't want the work done and that if they come onto your property, you will consider it an act of trespass (actually you wouldn't really bother suing as too expensive/ difficult but makes the point ? and if you take a photo it would show, in the event of any dispute, that you didn't want them to do any work (it would also demonstrate that you'd had a conversation with someone about doing some work but I imagine that wouldn't create any liability but do ask trading standards, they are the experts). Include a copy of that day's newspaper in the shot so you can prove when it was taken if you camera doesn't have a date facility.
HTH but trading standards are the guys you want here. But blocking your drive before you leave tomorrow is probably a wise move. And if you have any friendly neighbours, maybe they could keep an eye out and phone you if anyone turns up?

Thanks sportyspice & edam. So far there's only been a (vague) verbal contract, nothing else.
I thought about a note on the gate, but would rather know when they've been - ie when they come knocking to ask me to move the car - as I don't want to have to leave it there indefinitely