REPUTABLE tradesmen are being urged to join City of York Council in its fight against unscrupulous workers. Builders, joiners, and plumbers are being encouraged to enlist on the Home Services Directory, a list intended to curb the exploitation of the elderly in York. Under the directory, established in 2000, all listed traders are assessed and made to provide details of their charges. It costs them £50 to join the list.

Elizabeth Levett, York's trading standards manager, said: "Thousands of older people have already benefited from the directory which adheres to a strict code of practice."

Further information on the scheme can be obtained from York council's trading standards department on 01904 551562.

Updated: 12:18 Wednesday, June 18, 2003