Pensioner says she was pressured into paying £25,000 for roof repairs

A 75-year-old woman has described how she was pressured into paying £25,000 for roofing work, despite originally agreeing to a quote of just £1,300.

The Cornwall resident, who is not being named, is among a growing number of people in the county reporting aggressive sales tactics and overcharging by roofing firms. Cornwall Council says its Trading Standards team is investigating a spate of complaints involving companies that appear to be local but are part of larger networks operating across the region.

In the woman’s case, the cost of repairs quickly escalated from the agreed price. She has since been told the work was not carried out properly and that further repairs could cost her an additional £15,000.

“They were talking in my face and were very loud and very pressurising,” she said. “I don’t know what happened. I should have said ‘no, just go away’.”

Cornwall Trading Standards said many of the firms involved use multiple trading names and promote themselves online or via flyers posted through letterboxes. Once at a property, they often claim urgent repairs are needed and give inflated quotes. Customers are frequently left unsure who to deal with and struggle to get follow-up answers or help when problems arise.

Since January, more than 50 complaints have been received about overpriced or poor-quality roofing work. Cornwall Council says it is actively investigating several of the companies involved and is urging residents to report similar experiences via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline.

Councillor Thalia Marrington, cabinet member for Community Safety and Public Health, said: “Groups like these often target some of our most vulnerable residents. They can be very manipulative, so we need to stay vigilant and look out for others, especially older people and those who live alone.”

Residents are advised not to agree to work following cold calls or unsolicited approaches, to research traders thoroughly, and to obtain written quotes. Trading Standards also recommends using verified trader schemes such as Buy With Confidence.