A trader who carried out driveway cleaning work at a Calne property has been fined after admitting breaches of consumer protection law.
Thomas Stokes, 32, of Wokingham, trading as Swiss Clean Service, pleaded guilty to offences under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013. He was sentenced at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Friday 16th January.
Mr Stokes was ordered to pay £500 in compensation to the victim, fined £333, and told to pay £200 in costs and a £133 victim surcharge, following an investigation by Wiltshire Council’s Trading Standards team.
The court heard that on 4th July 2025 Mr Stokes and an unidentified male associate cold-called at the home of a 74-year-old Calne resident, claiming they were working nearby. Although the resident initially refused, persistent sales tactics were used and a verbal agreement was eventually made for driveway cleaning and sealing for £70, including a five-year guarantee.
However, the required pre-contract information and details of the consumer’s 14-day cancellation rights were not provided, as required when contracts are agreed away from business premises.
The driveway, measuring around 25 square metres, was cleaned but not sealed, and weeds reappeared within weeks. When payment was requested, the price was increased to £500, which the victim paid after feeling intimidated. A further £240 was later demanded but was waived following a dispute.
Paperwork supplied to the resident made no reference to the promised guarantee and listed only international phone numbers.
Trading Standards officers also told the court that Mr Stokes had previously received advice about cancellation rights and fair-trading obligations.
Cllr Paul Sample, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Protecting consumers from rogue traders remains a top priority for us as a council. Unscrupulous practices not only undermine trust but often leave residents, particularly the most vulnerable, facing financial loss and emotional distress.
“Rogue builders and doorstep traders can be hard to spot, and incomplete or substandard work can cause lasting harm. We urge residents never to agree to work from an uninvited doorstep caller, to say no to high-pressure tactics, and instead obtain written quotes, check credentials, or use trusted local recommendations.”
Residents who believe they may have been targeted by a rogue trader are urged to contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
Top tips for avoiding rogue traders
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Never agree to work on the doorstep
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Get at least three written quotes
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Check credentials and approved trader schemes
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Know your cancellation rights for off-premises contracts
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Report concerns to Citizens Advice
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