AN AWARD WINNING Hampshire landscaper fears his business is under threat as rogue traders dupe residents out of thousands of pounds using his well-established name.

Norman Hambrook believes his hard-earned reputation, built up over 40 years, has already been tarnished by scam artists operating under his name.

The conmen are cold calling across Fareham under the name Hambrook Drives and Patios, offering to block pave driveways at cut-price rates but vanishing once they have the cash, leaving the job unfinished and residents out of pocket.

This has left Norman receiving a flurry of calls from unsatisfied customers demanding the work is completed, wrongly believing that the men at their door were from his company, Hambrooks Landscaping in Titchfield.

Hampshire Trading Standards is now investigating the fraudsters who have been deceiving residents in Lee on the Solent, Gosport, Stubbington, Portchester and Hedge End during the last two months.

Norman is warning homeowners not to fall victim to these cowboys, who, in most cases, start work before they have written consent, and is urging victims to report these crimes so they can be stopped.

If this shoddy work continues the 63-year-old fears his business will be hit hard and could force him to make staff cuts.

He said: “I fear that these rogue traders will tarnish our good name and it’s frightening to think how badly it can damage our business. Residents need to know we do not cold call.

“It takes a long time to build up a reputation but unfortunately it doesn’t take long to ruin it. I worry because I employ 85 people and if these traders continue to steal our custom I could be forced to make cuts.

“I’ve worked very hard all my life to establish this business and I don’t want to see that fall apart because of some scam artists who are just out there to make a quick buck, riding on the back of our good name.

“But I also feel sorry for the homeowners that are losing thousands, especially at Christmas when everybody is trying hard to save money. It is horrible having to tell these people they have been duped.”

Anyone with any information about these traders or for advice on doorstep crime can call Hampshire County Council’s Quick Response Team on 01962 833666.