RESIDENTS are being warned to beware of door-to-door workmen who offer to cut down privets and bushes - then leave the mess behind at the end of the job.

Bolton Council has received reports of a group of men who are offering to carry out gardening tasks in the Doffcocker area, telling customers that a van will visit the property later in the day to pick up the debris.

The law states that even if residents have paid for prunings to be removed they are still held responsible if they are left on the pavement. The problem has so far affected areas around Shelbourne Avenue and Merlin Grove, off Chorley Old Road.