A Ceredigion handyman scheme that discourages “dodgy doorstep traders” should be rolled out to other parts of the country, Assembly member Joyce Watson said today.

During Assembly questions this afternoon, the Mid and West AM praised Tai Ceredigion Housing Association’s Gwasanaethau Medra service which provides estate caretaking for older and vulnerable tenants and leaseholders in the county.

Mrs Watson said:

“One way to combat scam sales and unwanted doorstep calls is to provide households with alternative services and better information. A good example is Tai Ceredigion Housing Association’s caretaking and handyman service. It is available to older and vulnerable tenants at a fixed cost. It means people can be sure they’re getting a good service at a fair price.”

She asked local government minister Lesley Griffiths:

“Would you take a look at the Gwasanaethau Medra service, with a view to developing a model of best practice that could be rolled out to other parts of Wales?”

Gwasanaethau Medra Services launched in June 2011. It is available to Tai Ceredigion tenants and leaseholders who have work that needs doing around their home or garden that is not the responsibility of the Housing Association.

The minister welcomed the initiative in Ceredigion and agreed that the project was a good model of best practice for the rest of Wales.