Patrick Long falsely claimed the resident’s roof space was infested by rats and that urgent repairs were needed

The Enfield customer's roof did not have rats as was claimed — The Enfield customer’s roof did not have rats as was claimed

A rogue roofer who tried to overcharge an Enfield resident for “unnecessary and substandard work” has been fined a total of £24,000.

Patrick Long, aged 38 and from Silverwood Close in Waltham Abbey, is a company director of Starlight Roofing Contractors Ltd. At Wood Green Court last month he pleaded guilty to two offences under consumer protection laws; failing to provide a legally required notice of cancellation and quoting an excessive and misleading price for work that was not justified.

This followed an investigation by Enfield Council’s trading standards team, which found that Long had quoted a local resident an inflated price of over £30,000 for roofing work that was later valued at just £18,000 and included false claims of a rat infestation and urgent repairs that weren’t needed.

The offences occurred in July 2023 at a residential property in north-east Enfield (EN3). The resident was not satisfied with the work carried out and contacted Citizens Advice to make a complaint, which was then referred trading standards.

An independent surveyor appointed by the council found no evidence of structural problems, rot, insect damage or rats. The work that was carried out was said to be “poorly done, with misaligned tiles, faulty guttering and felt that was not laid correctly”.

Long was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for 24 months, and ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work. He has also been forced to repay the Enfield resident £22,171 in compensation and must also pay £2,000 towards the council’s legal costs. Long is now banned from being a company director for five years.

Susan Erbil, cabinet member for planning and regulatory services, said: “We will not tolerate rogue tradespeople in Enfield.

“The successful prosecution demonstrates the positive action the council is taking to eradicate deceit and illegal practices by irreputable traders who break the law.

“My advice to residents is not to trade on the doorstep, ask a trusted friend or family for advice on reputable traders, try to get at least three quotes for building related work, and compare the figures provided.

“I would also advise Enfield residents to look out for their neighbours, as criminals often target vulnerable or socially isolated people, and to report any suspicious activity.”

For more information and to get help from Enfield’s trading standards:
Visit enfield.gov.uk/services/business-and-licensing/trading-standards

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