BURY North MP David Chaytor has won an assurance that the Government will crack down on firms such as the one he says brought "misery" to local elderly and vulnerable people.

Mr Chaytor had asked the Government to take action over the activities of rogue firms such as the Midland Coating Company.

The Bury North MP says this company used "scare" tactics to try to force pensioners in Bury, Ramsbottom and elsewhere to pay for unnecessary repairs to their homes.

Now, Mr Chaytor has been given a promise by Housing Minister Nick Raynsford that the Government will clamp down on such firms.

On the first day of the new Parliamentary session, Mr Chaytor intervened during environmental questions time to highlight the activities of so-called "phoenix" firms.

These are companies which rise from the ashes of firms which earlier went into liquidation.

He called for government action to stop businesses continuously reinventing themselves under different names in order to carry on exploiting people.

Mr Chaytor said: "Midland Coating Company closed down last December, but then reinvented itself as Raincheck. "Raincheck also went into liquidation but has recently reappeared as Seal-Point."

Mr Raynsford assured the MP he was working closely with the Department of Trade and Industry to come up with effective measures against rogue traders.

He also announced government proposals for a quality mark scheme for reputable builders who meet approved standards.

Mr Chaytor said later: "I am pleased the Government are taking this problem seriously.

"Cowboy builders bring misery to thousands of people up and down the country. The new quality mark scheme will give customers confidence that they've chosen a reputable builder, and cowboy firms will simply not qualify."

He added: "I am also reassured to hear that steps are being taken to stamp out the activities of phoenix companies who think they can constantly reinvent themselves and carry on with the same sharp practices as before.

"The sooner they disappear, the better it will be for vulnerable pensioners in Bury."

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