The initiative, which is supported by East Dunbartonshire Council and Trading Standards, provides easy access to a list of local and reputable vetted businesses.

You can search for Trusted Traders via the website as well as viewing feedback and comments left by previous customers. The Trusted Trader scheme is supported by Police Scotland and www.consumeradvice.scot

It aims to:

• Give householders across East Dunbartonshire increased confidence that they are engaging the services of legitimate traders
• Promote good practice within local businesses
• Protect residents from doorstep crime
• Generate custom for local companies.

The council’s Trading Standards team is responsible for overseeing the scheme – vetting traders, regularly examining business practices, and monitoring reviews and feedback.

Councillor Paul Ferretti, convener of the council’s Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets Committee, said: “It’s great news that a wide range of local businesses have signed up for the Trusted Trader scheme – providing reassurance to potential customers that they are reputable and reliable.

“If you’re planning to have work done on your property, check out the website – www.trustedtrader.scot/EastDunbartonshire – where you can search for a business and view comments from previous customers. It’s also the place to go if you’re a local trader and interested in joining the scheme.”

The Trusted Trader initiative is centred around a Code of Practice, which covers:

• Transparent procedures for quoting and carrying out work
• Only charging a fair and reasonable price
• Dealing with complaints promptly.

Councillor Ferretti added: “Taking some simple precautions can help you to avoid falling victim to bogus callers and rogue traders. Don’t allow anyone you’re not expecting into your home and never pay upfront for work still to be carried out.

“Please don’t feel pressured into making decisions quickly – legitimate traders will be comfortable returning at a later date, which gives you a chance to carry out your own research.”