PEOPLE are being reminded of the risks that cold callers can pose.

Bolton Council is once again warning residents to be wary of traders who cold call offering to do gardening, roofing, driveways, guttering or other outdoor jobs, no matter how professional their leaflets or vehicles appear to be.

The council's trading standards team is keen to alert people to the risks posed by these sort of traders, and is asking resident not to be taken in by cold callers.

Residents should never deal with cold callers, but only with reputable traders, who have a legitimate, registered business.

Councillor Nick Peel, Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said, “These traders may appear friendly at first but they are after as much cash as they can get and are likely to leave no genuine address or contact details other than a mobile number, which isn’t much use if things go wrong.

"They often ask for cash in advance, and then fail to do the work or do shoddy work before disappearing.

“Residents should be aware that legitimate traders will not need to tout for business and will have work lined up in advance.

“The rogue traders who do cold call usually target the most vulnerable members of society. I would urge anyone who sees builders or property repairers knocking on doors to take down their details and report the matter to Trading Standards.”

To report rogue traders to Trading Standards, call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 040506 go to www.citizensadvice.org.uk.