The case is one of a number of complaints from across the east end of the city about rogue builders which are currently being investigated by Glasgow City Council’s trading standards unit.

The woman wheelchair-user was approached on her doorstep by a builder who talked her in to having an access ramp built outside her home.

Trading standards say the work was poor but when confronted by the distraught woman the builder refused to rectify the problem. He has since vanished and correcting the shoddy work cost the victim a further £1,500.

In another case under investigation, a doorstep caller charged a local resident £4,900 to monoblock a driveway.

Again, the work was substandard and the trader is believed to have left the area.

A spokesman for Glasgow Trading Standards said: “The tactics these traders use are appalling, in that they very often prey on some of the most vulnerable in our communities – such as disabled and elderly people living alone.

“The work they carry out is poor, if it is finished at all, and the customer is often faced with another big bill to put it right.

“We wouldn’t expect any reputable company to trade on the doorstep in this way, so consumers should treat any offer they receive like this with great caution.”

The unit have issued a list of simple safety checks that all householders should make before agreeing to any work.

They say: “Ask for a written quote for the work you are considering having done. Does the firm have a company name, address and telephone number?

“Does it clearly give you seven days’ cancellation rights, with an address to send the cancellation notice to?

“If the person states that they have carried out other work in the area , ask to see this work – perhaps speak to the householder to see if they were happy with the work done

“If you have any doubts, agree to nothing and ask them to leave.

“For further help contact your local Police Station or Trading Standards Office.”