Federation warns against rogue English and Irish companies in Limousin

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The Federation of Public Works in Limousin has issued a warning this week, against unscrupulous English and Irish companies who are said to be preying on often elderly or isolated people in the region, according to Le populaire.

They cite the case of Philippe, a farmer from Eymoutiers in Haute-Vienne, who fell victim to a firm of Irish builders.  According to Philippe, a group of builders approached him to ask whether they could store some rubble on his land, something that he sometimes does as a favour.  The men returned later, and offered to spread the rubble on his courtyard, which Philippe consented to. 

When Philippe returned two hours later, the men had started to tarmac the area.  He told them to stop, as he had not consented to the work.  The workmen asked for payment of 3,000 euros for the work, which Philippe refused to pay, and gendarmes were called to resolve the dispute.

According to the Thierry Dur, president of FTP87, this type of incident is not isolated, and the federation has received a number of complaints about English and Irish companies.  They claim that this type of thing happens every year, with builders typically turning up with left-over materials and offering to tarmac surfaces for an unbelievably low price.  The Federation says that the quality of work from these firms is often poor, and when problems do occur, the companies can be difficult to track-down.

The Federation advise people to use 'local' companies for the work (and we assume they mean irrespective of nationality), and to get several quotes before signing a contract.  If you are in doubt , you can contact the Federation of Public Works (La Fédération des travaux publics) on 05 55 35 07 05.

Le Populaire didn't give any details of the companies involved, but if you have any further details, please get in touch with us at editor@guide2limousin.com.

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