Ben Eltham, of Chalbar, Denchworth Road, Grove, has been sentenced to 40 months of imprisonment after pleading guilty to fraud-related offenses at Oxford Crown Court. He was found to have charged clients for materials he did not purchase and failed to complete contracted projects satisfactorily. The work he completed was reported to be of poor quality, and there were instances where he began projects without adhering to necessary building regulations and inspections.
Davina Walkin, trading standards operations manager at Oxfordshire County Council, stated that while most builders in the region complete their work on time and meet customer satisfaction, efforts are made to protect residents from rogue traders when this is not the case.
Between 2021 and 2023, Eltham was running businesses under the names Ben Eltham General Builder and JFE Building Contractor. He was contracted for several projects in the Wantage area, including garage conversions and extensions. However, a pattern emerged where projects would initially progress well before slowing down or halting entirely. Clients reported difficulty in reaching him, and investigations revealed that funds intended for completing projects were misused on gambling, holidays, and social events instead of purchasing materials or paying staff.
Walkin advises those seeking reliable tradesmen to secure multiple quotes, seek recommendations from trusted sources, and consider using an approved trader from the Buy With Confidence scheme. When engaging in significant building projects, such as garage conversions or home extensions, it’s crucial to approach payment schedules cautiously. Payments should be balanced throughout the project to prevent scenarios where clients are out of pocket with limited work completed, as seen in Eltham’s dealings.
For those interested in learning more about trustworthy builders and businesses in the Wantage area, you can browse the directory or submit your own business listing to further support community engagement and local enterprise.
