A RUTHLESS roofing firm has been has been hit with a £36,500 bill after aggressively selling a retired Halesowen couple a magic spray.

Roofguard Protection Coatings told the couple the spray would reduce heat loss in their home by 40 per cent

but there was no proof the spray worked.

Mr Gary Cook prosecuting told Wolverhampton Crown Court Roofguard Protection Coatings Ltd issued literature stating the product had been fully tested, was environmentally friendly and was much cheaper than replacing a roof.

He said: "It was nothing of the sort," who added pressure sales techniques were used by the firm and its staff on potential customers.

The elderly Halesowen couple who live in Cherry Tree Lane were cold called at their home and told a new roof would cost them around £12,000.

They were then offered a trade price of £2,833 for their roof to be sprayed and told the price would be reverting back to £5,115 unless they acted quickly and they were made to feel rushed into signing a contract.

The misleading information from the company based in Lower Hall Lane, Walsall came to the attention of Dudley Council's Trading Standards Department and they then carried out a full investigation.

The firm denied eight charges and admitted one relating to misleading information but they were found guilty after a three day trial and fined a total of £8,000 together with £15,000 costs.

Edward Hogan, the 57-year-old owner, of Worksworth Road, Duffield, Derbyshire also denied eight charges but they were found proved at trial and he was fined a total of £6,000.

Salesman Stewart Fawke, aged 47 of Shirley Road, Cotteridge, who visited the Halesowen couple was fined £2,500 on five charges which he denied only to be found guilty by Dudley Magistrates.

Hogan and Fawke were also told by Judge Martin Walsh they must pay £2,500 each towards the cost of the prosecution.