Not all plumbers 'cowboys'

While I agree there is a need to protect the elderly and vulnerable people from unscrupulous conmen posing as tradesmen, I prefer not to call them cowboys (article "Fixer Phil sees off the Cowboys", October 20).

I am totally sick and tired of the sensationalist reporting that labels every tradesperson - usually plumbers - as cowboys.

I wonder if Fixer Phil, quoted as being a former "care worker", has any perception of how difficult it is and the costs incurred in running a plumbing and heating business, even a small one-man business like my own.

Presently I have sat on my desk invoices for the following: public liability insurance £350; van insurance £450; purchase of specialist tools £500. The cost of diesel alone is more than £1,800 a year. All of the above has to be paid out before I pay myself a wage to cover my mortgage and bills. Unlike me, Fixer Phil is assured of his weekly wage, paid overtime no doubt, company vehicle, paid holidays etc.

I have many customers that come back time and again for my services because they trust me.

My final words are to the Shropshire Star. Rather than printing negative stories concerning tradespeople try for once to print some positive stories.

A recent public poll carried out by the IPHE suggests that out of the 120,000 plumbers in the UK only six per cent of people perceived them to be "cowboys" and 59 per cent said that plumbers provide an essential service.

Paul Wynn MIPHE RP, BSc(hons), Telford