A TREE surgeon has received a ticking-off from the council about his bad business practices.

Trading as Kent Tree Services and Beechwood Tree Services, Shaun Varey leafleted the borough offering a service which was allegedly based locally and carried out by qualified, caring and friendly staff.

But Bromley Council trading standards officers received numerous complaints from customers including people being verbally abused when they complained about the standard of work.

An investigation revealed the 18-year-old man, from Dartford, was using false address details and his supposedly local phone numbers were being routed via an Essex call centre.

They tracked Mr Varey down and he agreed to sign an undertaking under the Enterprise Act 2002.

This means he must trade in a manner which is fair, legal and acceptable.

Bromley Council could take him to court if it receives more complaints about him in the borough.

Go to bromley.gov.uk/environment/tradingstandards or call 07903 852090 to report suspicious traders.