COPS are warning West Somerset homeowners to be vigilant after two incidents of rogue trading.

In the first incident on Monday a man in a Land Rover called on a farmer at Withycombe, claiming he was in a hurry as he had the wrong ‘stuff’ delivered and offered to tarmac the farmer’s driveway.

The same day the man turned up at a farm in Upton and again offered to tarmac the entrance to the farmyard.

On this occasion he claimed he worked for the council and had tarmac left on his lorry which he needed to use up.

The farmer asked for a quote but was told a price could not be given as cost would depend on what he had left on the lorry.

The next day five men arrived in a lorry and completed the work – demanding payment six times the amount he expected. No written quote or receipt was given for the work.

PC Heidi Walls, who is investigating the incidents, said: "We are currently working closely with Trading Standards in relation to investigating Rogue Traders operating in the West Somerset Area.

“I would warn residents that genuine companies will not operate in this way and would appeal to the public not to accept any offers of work from traders in these circumstances.

“These people will not give you a written quote, offer any guarantee and will often expect you to pay extortionate prices. I advise people to contact reputable companies only and obtain written quotes before accepting or agreeing to any work.”

Somerset County Council Trading Standards offered the following advice:

• The council’s highways department never takes on private work so anyone claiming that they work for highways and have left over material is lying.

• If you enter into a contract with someone in your home they must give you a notice stating you have seven days to change your mind. A trader is breaking the law if they do not do this.

• Get at least three quotes for any work, make sure that phone numbers and addresses are real, and don't allow yourself to be pressured into agreeing a contract.

Consumer Direct, the national consumer advice helpline, advises people on their rights, both before and after a contract is made. They can be contacted on 08454-040506.

PC Heidi Walls at Minehead Police Station would like anyone with information to contact her on 0845-4567000.

Have you been targeted by rogue traders? Call the newsdesk on 01823-365104, email westsomerset@countygazette.co.uk or simply fill in the Your Say box below.