Members of the public can now access a trusted source of approved tradesmen,  thanks to a new directory designed to prevent residents falling foul of cowboys.

Blackpool Council's Trading Standards Team together with its partners the Police, Care & Repair and Age Concern have established a home services directory known as Safe and Secure.

The comprehensive guide of vetted traders covers a wide range of property services from handy people to builders, gardeners to plumbers, and will act as an effective tool for people seeking repair and maintenance work on their homes, and will hopefully prevent residents being stung by rogue traders.

The directory will provide residents of Blackpool with the confidence that traders who have joined the scheme are required to meet the conditions of membership, which includes checks by both Police and Blackpool Council's Trading Standards. Furthermore a conciliation scheme will be provided by the Consumner Advice Service to allay fears should consumers encounter problems with members they employ.

It can be worrying to try and find a tradesperson and let them into your home, especially of you don't know them, but we hope the Home Services Directory will give Blackpool residents the reassurance they need.

The directory is available through Trading Standards (01253 478395), Care & Repair (01253 651060) or Age Concern (01253 751747), or via the internet at www.blackpool.gov.uk (click on A-Z of services, then Trading Standards and then Safe and Secure