SICK of cowboy traders? There is another way if you are 50-plus and need a small job doing in the house, as PETER SLEE found out.

THEY come from a generation that took the war and rationing in its stride with an ever-practical "make do and mend" approach.

But for many, even small DIY jobs such as changing a light bulb, have now become a hassle they could well do without.

For Helen Newman, it was a small repair to a stair banister that finally made her decide to always check the credentials of anyone who might offer home repairs.

"It was only something small — a rail that had worked itself loose and needed putting back. Surely, I thought, an hour at most.

"I ended up with a bill for more than £150. I couldn't believe it, but I had to pay up."

Helen, aged 68, from Upper Killay in Swansea, is just one of many to have been caught out.

"I was furious, more with myself than anyone else," she added. "But also with the man I had asked to carry out the job. It took him no more than 45 minutes, and the only equipment he seemed to use were a couple of nails.

"When he asked for the money, I was too scared to challenge him. I have learned my lesson, and will be more alert in the future.

"It makes people so nervous, and constantly thinking they are about to be fleeced. Of course that isn't the case, and I have had great service from someone else since.

"It just seems a shame that we have to be on our guard quite so much."

But there is another way. Widower Elwyn Stevens from St Thomas, Swansea, has been using Age Concern's Home Services project since his wife died seven years ago.

The scheme helps people aged 50 and over living in the city with low-maintenance tasks in the home.

As well as small tasks such as replacing tap washers, securing curtain rails or fixing a leak, Home Services will also make an assessment of fire safety and security. It is run by staff members Nigel Rawbone and John Wheeler, who are supported by four volunteers.

And if the job proves too big, it can be passed on to an outside tradesman or Swansea Council's Care and Repair service. It's free, although the charity welcomes donations from users.

"It is fantastic,'' says retired steelworker Elwyn. "I can't praise it or the people who operate it enough.

"They are there when they say they are going to be, and always work efficiently and well. It is also free, which takes the worry out of things.

"Very occasionally, they might not be able to do something because the job is simply too big. But even then, Age Concern will help with a recommendation of somebody able to help."

In the past year alone, it has come to the aid of around 4,000 people in Swansea.

The charity is about to launch a project partnering with Safer Swansea and the Community Safety Department of South Wales Police to deliver practical safety measures to the homes of 200 older people across Swansea in a Home Office-sponsored campaign which will run until March.

Householders will be able to receive a full security assessment, as well as advice. According to need, security devices will then be expertly fitted by its Home Services team.

Age Concern's Swansea director Mary Pitson says although older people are no more likely to be victims of burglary than other age groups, the sheer fear of this type of crime can seriously affect their quality of life.

"Distraction burglary is a heartless crime which can have a devastating impact on older people," she adds.