AN ELDERLY couple had their faith in humanity restored after being conned by rogue traders.
Andrew and Emily Mackie, both in their late seventies, fell prey to the cowboy operators who visited their Southam home offering to repair their drive.
But after the ‘workmen’ made such a mess of their drive a family member posted a warning about them on a local Facebook page to warn other potential victims.
But the couple were not expecting the response they received from fellow residents in Southam who came together in a ‘DIY SOS’ style project to put right the shoddy job the couple had forked out £2,400 for.
The couple had initially been quoted £1,150 for the work, but when they returned the next day they advised Mr and Mrs Mackie the price had gone up to £2,400.
Unfortunately, the money was paid in full by the trusting couple.
The ‘workmen’ left that day without completing the work and have not been seen since.
After hearing about the conmen, Linden McDonald from Outside Cleaning Direct, got together a team of volunteers and tradesmen to help fix Mr and Mrs Mackie’s drive.
Mrs Mackie’s daughter, Marie, said the reaction from residents was amazing.
Linden received an anonymous donation of materials, and locals got to work repairing the driveway on a sunny Saturday.
Tools were provided by Priory Tools, extra materials came from Goodwin & Sons, and Dan Udall and Dale Crowther from Start 2 Finish turned up with a grabber lorry to clear rubbish away.
Phil Lee from The Cuttle pub in Long Itchington supplied refreshments for the team, while local resident Donna White provided treats and snacks.
Local councillors Andy Crump, Tony Browich and Dave Riches, also turned up to lend a hand.
All of the slabs on the driveway were lifted, old ground work was dug up and new sand and cement was put down before the slabs were cut properly and relaid.
Understandably, Mr and Mrs Mackie were overwhelmed by the work and could not thank everyone who helped enough.
The rogue traders are still at large though, and the family want to warn people to be cautious.
They have made numerous phone calls to the company, and have sent letters asking for a refund.
The police have been involved, and trading standards is currently investigating them.
The company apparently uses the Warwickshire bear emblem on their van, making it look like they are affiliated with Warwickshire County Council.
