A ROPLEY man, who handed over £6,000 as a down payment towards having his drive refurbished, has issued a warning to other would-be employers to take care when parting with cash.

John Biddle answered a classified advertisement on October 12 for a contractor to carry out work on his drive.

The contractor claimed to have 12 years experience in laying drives and paths. A site visit was arranged and a price and start time agreed.

The 175-yard long drive, at Monkwood near Ropley, was to comprise a mix of brick bloc-work and tarmac. Mr Matthews asked for half the cost of the £12,000 project up front to cover materials, with the rest on completion of the job.

According to Mr Biddle, the contractor turned up in a unmarked white truck accompanied by another man who was thought to be his brother.

The two men worked on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning last week and part of the afternoon but have not been seen since.

Having discovered that the original telephone number is no longer in service, Mr Biddle contacted the police and Trading Standards Office to see if they had any record of the man, but so far to no avail.

He has also visited the home address given by the contractor in Bordon, but this too appears to have been a red herring - the current householder denies all knowledge of the man.

ÒSo far the two men have dug up the drive and it is now worse than it was before they turned up,Ó said Mr Biddle who estimates that they clocked up around £100 worth of work.

ÒIt might be like pushing water uphill but I have no intention of letting this drop,Ó warned the Ropley resident who is not only preparing to pursue the matter through legal channels but is anxious that other people should heed his experience and not lay themselves open to the unscrupulous behaviour of a possible conman.

Following the incident, Sergeant Richard Stowe of Alton Police said: ÒReputable builders will often be members of associated guilds or societies, and tend to advertise in the Yellow Pages.

ÒCustomers should seek references to previous work done before agreeing a deal, and constantly ensure that all work is done to a high standard.

ÒDo not pay monies up front unless there is a written contract signed by both parties.Ó