Bargoed damp proofers prosecuted

Two men responsible for work carried out by a Bargoed damp proofing business have been fined by Newport magistrates.
Valley Damp Proofing and Plastering was investigated by Caerphilly Trading Standards after it carried out work at a property in Fleur-de-Lis.

On Friday October 4 at Newport Magistrates’ Court, Anthony Allen Moses, 56, of Aberdare, who appeared responsible for the work, pleaded guilty to one charge under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, for contravening the requirements of professional diligence in relation to the work carried out.

Mark Davis, 42, of Bargoed, who owns Valley Damp Proofing and Plastering, pleaded guilty to four charges, two each under the Fraud Act 2006 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

Magistrates were told the occupiers of the house in Fleur-de-Lis had contacted Valley Damp Proofing and Plastering after noticing a damp problem in their home.

They were quoted £850 and the work was carried out in September 2010.

However, the occupiers soon noticed that the damp problem was still apparent and called Valley Damp Proofing and Plastering to come and rectify the problem.

The firm attended on a number of occasions, but ultimately told the occupiers that there was nothing else they could do.

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Trading Standards Service were called, and an independent expert stated that the damp proofing job “was not done to a professional standard”.

The court was told the guarantee issued by Davis to cover the work had no value because of the poor workmanship.
Moses was fined £600 and was ordered to pay £1,124.75 costs and pay a £60 victim surcharge.

Davis was given a 12-month community order, requiring him to have supervision with a probation officer, attend a substance misuse programme and told to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £500 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.