POLICE are warning elderly householders to be on their guard for workmen offering to resurface their paths and drives for a discounted price.

Pensioners in Blackburn have been conned into paying several hundred pounds for work which has turned out to be of a poor standard.

Within two or three months, freshly-laid paths and drives crack, leaving householders with another bill for repair work.

The duped customers have no comeback because the workmen often use business cards with false names and contact numbers.

In some cases, intimidation tactics have been used and pensioners have even been taken to the bank by the workmen to withdraw the cash to pay for the work.

Crime prevention officer Sgt Alan Holt said: "There have been a number of cases of groups of workmen conning elderly people by offering to surface their drive at a reduced price. "They usually say 'we have just done a job around the corner and we have some material left over'.

"They will charge what they can get.

"For instance, they will say that it would normally cost £600, but they will charge £300 for a job not even worth £100.

"They are very persuasive and will not take no for an answer.

"If there is a problem the householder should contact a neighbour or relative and, if necessary, the police.

"Anyone with an elderly neighbour or relative should warn them not to take up anything on the knock. They should always contact the company first and don't pay out unless totally satisfied with the job."

Lancashire chief trading standards officer Jim Potts said: " In recent weeks we have had reports of a number of gangs offering poor quality resurfacing at excessive prices.

"Often they will mumble the price and when the person has agreed they will say the quote was just for part of the drive.

"It is not excess material from work carried out down the road, it is burn off material from work done on the roads.

"The workmen have been paid to dispose of it."

He added that reputable firms should only be used and the trading standards should be contacted on 01282 424271 if there is a problem with workmen.

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