PEOPLE planning to carry out repair work on their homes ahead of winter are being warned of rogue traders.

Trading Standards officers have sent out the warning, reminding all residents to be wary of doorstep rogue traders who offer bogus services.

Trading Standards receives a high volume of complaints from people who have been conned by doorstep rogue traders, with older residents often being targeted.

Doorstep callers will often demand cash for services up front, and then never return to do the work they have promised.

Rogue traders will also not provide any paperwork or traceable address, and any telephone number given may stop working once you have handed over the cash.

If the work is carried out it will often be very shoddy, using poor quality or unsuitable materials. The initial price you are quoted can seem very attractive, but costs may rise steeply once work has started.

Roger Walters, executive member for Trading Standards said: "Don't get caught out. Legitimate traders will not knock at your door offering cheap services. If you do need work carried out on your home, shop around and ask friends and family for recommendations.

"Always get quotes in writing with a full traceable address, don't pay more than a small, agreed deposit up front and ask to check the work the trader has done for other customers."