THURROCK Council is warning people to beware of people knocking at their door claiming to be tradesmen offering to do work.

The council’s trading standards team is advising people to remember it is their doorstep and their decision whether to accept any offer of help.

Residents are also being urged to seek second opinions and extra quotes for work from two or three different traders.

A council spokesperson said: “Trading standards advise that people should never agree to work being done by someone who is just passing.

If they have a job that needs doing, contact 08454 040506 and ask for a list of trading standards approved traders.

It is also important people take care when answering their door to strangers. Genuine visitors will have no objection to people ringing and checking they are who they say they are.”

For further advice and tips, go to the council’s website - thurrock.gov.uk - and follow the links to “business and licensing”, then to Trading standards and consumer advice.