Householders are being urged to watch out for doorstep rogue traders offering to carry out gardening work ahead of the summer months.

Trading standard officers are advising residents to check with the council’s approved traders scheme before agreeing to pay any cold callers.

In many cases, bogus traders use dodgy tricks and can be very persuasive to secure a fast sale and con the householder into having work done.

Often the work is shoddy or not completed and there is no paperwork provided leaving the customer without cancellation rights or contact details for the business.

The council’s executive board member for public protection, Cllr Philip Hughes said: “With the summer months approaching, we tend to see an increase in rogue traders cold calling offering gardening work services including hedge and grass cutting and tree surgery.

"Trading Standards officers have found that the victims often feel pressurised into agreeing and are also hugely overcharged for a very poor standard of work.

"Check our Buy with Confidence scheme which provides consumers with a list of local businesses, which have given their commitment to trading fairly.

"Our message to residents is - If in doubt, keep them out. And our message to rogue traders – we’re watching you!”

For a list of council approved please visit our website.