WITH job security so important to the local economy may I suggest that anyone requiring work done insists on qualified and vetted tradesmen.

Unfortunately, anyone can set themselves up as a 'tradesman' so do ask for customer references and always check them out.

Ask also if they are a member of a trade association and its telephone numbers so you can check.

If they decline to do so, you may draw your own conclusions.

By taking these simple steps we keep the professionals in work, standards high and prices low.

To quote Paul 'Red' Adair, 'if you think it's expensive to hire a professional, wait till you hire an amateur'.

Michael Walsh, Regional Manager, Guild of Master Craftsmen