A cowboy builder tried to intimidate a Stevenage pensioner into giving him £3,000 for building work that didn’t need doing.

The Comet: Maria Moulton and Barbara Lambert on the driveway which has been left by buildersMaria Moulton and Barbara Lambert on the driveway which has been left by builders (Image: Archant)

The man knocked on Barbara Lambert’s door on Saturday afternoon and said he wanted the money in cash there and then.

Her daughter Maria Moulton said: “I worry about her because she is getting older and more vulnerable.

“These people are aware she lives on her own and targeted her for that reason. It’s totally disgraceful.”

On Thursday men knocked on Barbara’s door in Brunel Road and said that the paving slabs on her driveway were dangerously uneven and needed urgently fixing.

The Comet: The driveway which has been left by the buildersThe driveway which has been left by the builders (Image: Archant)

They offered to sort the problem for £40 and the next day ripped up the slabs and put sand all over the 84-year-old’s drive.

They parked their van at the end of the road so she couldn’t see the registration plate and brought a young child along to distract Barbara while they carried out the work.

Then on Saturday a man knocked on Barbara’s door at around 4.30pm and told her the problem was much worse that originally thought and he needed £3,000 to fix it.

Maria said: “My concern is that she could be dead. They are not safe people to be around. They target the elderly because they know they can get something.”

Barbara called the police after he left, but was too embarrassed to tell Maria.

Maria, 49, said: “I got a phone call from the police on Saturday explaining to me what had happened.

“It isn’t the first time – earlier this year a man tried to charge her £100 to pressure wash her drive.

“I think it’s disgusting and is something people should be aware of.

“Gone are the days where neighbours looked after each other. People do not say anything because they are too scared.”

The two men are described as white and having Irish accents. The first one was aged about 28, of proportionate build, with short blonde curly hair.

The second is believed to be about 60 and of medium build.

There were two other men with them who had foreign accents. If you can provide any information, call the police on 101.