COUNCIL tenants were today told to be vigilant after a spate of bogus officials called at homes.

Bosses warned people to be on the look out for the imposters after a number of calls from worried residents.

The callers have told tenants they want to talk to them about a proposed housing transfer.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has recently been given permission by the Government to consult tenants over switching control of their 9,000 council houses to an independent organisation.

A survey has shown that £130m is needed to bring the council's current homes up to standard over the next 10 years which the council cannot afford.

Although council workers have been consulting with tenants about the proposed transfer, the process is now over and officials said anyone claiming to be from the council is an imposter.

The bogus callers are not believed to be potential burglars but are simply using the proposed housing switch as a way of getting into tenant's homes to offer them other services such as legal advice.

Phil Richards, Director of Housing and Neighbourhood Services, said: "Tenants will have their say about the transfer when they vote in the ballot and they will receive their ballot papers today. It is important that tenants make up their own minds. Council representatives will not visit tenants at their homes from now on and anyone doing so is not part of the official transfer process." Mr Richards said genuine council officials would carry identification and would provide a telephone number so tenants could verify their visit was genuine.

The result of the transfer ballot will be announced at the end of November.