Unqualified Electrician targets Rochdale

Householders in Rochdale are being warned to only use qualified tradesmen, after a rogue builder was fined for undertaking electrical work that he was not qualified to do on a house in Heywood, Rochdale. 

It is vital that people are aware that this is going on because there could be fatal consequences, as the electrical work might be undertaken in an incompetent manner.

Mark Dalzell, the Building Control Manager for Rochdale Council said: "The majority of electrical installations in homes now require building regulation approval, so we are urging local people to check this before having electrical work done. Obtaining building regulation approval from the Council is not necessary if competent electricians, who are registered with Government approved schemes, carry out the work."

Building Control instigated the prosecution against Mr M Eastham of Farnworth, Bolton due to the risk this could impose on the public.  Mr Eastham was convicted at Rochdale Magistrates Court, and was fined a total of £25,000 plus costs.  He was found guilty of five breaches of building regulations associated with an electrical installation on a house in Heywood, Rochdale.

Councillor Wera Hobhouse, Lead Member for Environment and Sustainability said: "We hope this case acts as a warning to others who are thinking of undertaking electrical work when they are not competent or qualified to do so.

"Residents can obtain information about electrical work and building regulations by contacting the Building Control Service."