Rogue traders posing as council contractors working on the £14 million road and pavement improvement programme in Telford are knocking on doors offering to repair residents’ drives.

Residents have reported being approached by people claiming to be part of the team from Telford & Wrekin contractors McPhillips, which is currently repairing pavements in Arleston. Council chiefs urged people to be vigilant.

They said no official contractor would make any approach to repair drives.

Councillor Hilda Rhodes, Telford & Wrekin Council cabinet member for community protection, said: “Rogue workers are trying to take advantage of current work being done by contractors to repair footways across the borough.

“Several residents have had direct approaches from people offering to repair their drives. These workers are claiming to be part of the team from the council’s contractor McPhillips, who are repairing the footway.

“Residents should be awa- re that no-one from our official contractor will make any approach to repair their drives and that the people who have done so are in no way connected with our contractor.”

Councillor Rhodes said there was important advice people could bear in mind when getting people in to do paid work around the home.

People should always get at least three quotes before agreeing to the work.

She also urged people to consider using traders from the Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Trader Register, available at www.traderregister.org.uk or by calling 0345 678 9000.

All members had signed up to a strict code of practice and agreed to work with trading standards in the unlikely event of a dispute.

Finally, people are advised to always get a written contract and ensure it includes cancellation rights, which are a legal entitlement if work is carried out by a doorstep seller.

Report concerns about rogue traders or cold-callers to Consumer Direct on 0845 4040 506.

By Wayne Beese