RESIDENTS in the Cement City area of Parr are being warned to beware of bogus contractors trying to cash in by offering to carry out home improvement work.

People living in the area could benefit from grant aid from the Single Regeneration Budget to pay for home improvements with the work to be carried out by St Helens Council.

However, a number of residents have contacted the council and police to report callers trying to sell them "pre-improvement work."

A spokesperson for St Helens Council said: "All authority employees carry identity badges which should always be shown. Anyone in doubt about the validity of a caller should contact Christina Bennison on (01744) 456000 who is the liaison officer for the Cement City project."

Alternatively, you can also contact DC Karen Cummins at St Helens CID office on 0151 777 6875.