HOMEOWNERS in Enniskillen are “disgusted” with workmen who took hundreds of pounds for cleaning their driveways, but never finished the job.

At least 15 driveways in the Tarmon Brae area of Enniskillen have been targeted and owners believe that they have been duped by a man called ‘Tony Roadstone’ and his two workmen.

Residents in Tarmon Brae, including Michael Flaherty, were shown two immaculately finished driveways before handing over the money, expecting the same results in their front yards.

“The paper work looked authentic,” Mr. Flaherty tells The Impartial Reporter. “We are embarrassed to have handed over the money in advance, but he told us he was a Born Again Christian who could be trusted.” ‘Roadstone’ and his workmen were in a hired van from a Fintona hire company. They called to Mr. Flaherty’s home at the beginning of April offering their services. “He said he would clear the moss off the street and put down a black sealer, and he was supposed to repair the holes in the tarmac,” Mr. Flaherty explains.

The moss from Mr. Flaherty’s drive was cleared and a black “paint” put on the tar, but the holes were left untouched. What “annoyed” Mr. Flaherty the most was how they cleared the rubble off the drive of an elderly lady living alone and threw it underneath the bushes in her garden. “That’s a disgusting way to treat a vulnerable elderly lady,” Mr. Flaherty states. “Unfortunately I paid before he had started.” The work was started in the second week in April and last Wednesday, April 16, Mr. Flaherty spotted the men again, working on another driveway in Tarmon Brae. “I went up to him and asked when he was going to fill in the holes. He said he would be working in the same estate for a while and that he would be back soon. There’s still no sign of him and I’ve been told that they have now been spotted in the Maguiresbridge area.” He concludes: “I don’t think I’ll be getting my money back but I hope that by warning others, we can avoid them being had.” Mr. Flaherty has contaced the PSNI and Trading Standards.

A local police spokesman advised locals not to accept the first offer from ‘cold callers’. “Get another quote for the same job from a reputable local firm. Do not hand over money to cold callers,” the officer said.

“We are aware of a number of cold callers offering tarmacing services but people need to check who they are and where they are from. They usually say they have been on a job locally and have some tar left over. They also target people with gravel drives and pressure them to get on them,” he explained.

He advised locals to contact the Quick Check number to see if the workmen are “bona-fide operators”. The 24-hour freephone service is 0800 013 22 90.

The officer warned: “These services offered by cold callers could end up costing you more than you bargained for.”