TRAFFORD Council is warning householders to be wary of rogue traders who are targeting the elderly and vulnerable across the borough.

The warning comes in the wake of a spate of recent incidents involving rogue traders who have been cold calling at addresses without appointments.

They offer to carry our minor repairs or clear gutters for small sums of money, but in most cases, costs start to spiral and the work either isn’t carried out or is shoddy and incomplete.

Executive member for Environment and Operations, Cllr John Reilly, said that one victim was a woman in her nineties who lived alone.

“She was approached by men who offered to clear the roof gutters for £20 and after she agreed, the men insisted that she needed her ridge tiles repointing for a further £500," said Cllr Reilly.

"The lady agreed to have the work carried out and gave them a £200 deposit, but once they had this, they left and did not come back. "These types of scams follow similar patterns and we are urging householders to be aware of the dangers of cold callers who are offering to carry out roofing work and repairs.”

For consumer advice contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040 506.