Warning after trader pretends to be council worker

A warning has been issued after a rogue trader cold-called houses pretending to work for North Yorkshire Council.

A Ripon resident reported the man after he targeted their property offering them driveway repairs last week.

He claimed to be part of the council's highway team, the authority said, and told the homeowner he would use leftover road-laying material as part of the work.

The resident said they were misled about the price and the disagreement left them "shaken", with Trading Standards and the police later contacted.

Greg White, the council's executive member for trading standards, described it as a "worrying incident".

"Our contractors will never cold call or dispose of unused materials in this way," he said.

"I would urge everyone to help spread this important message and make sure your loved ones, especially those who may be vulnerable or live alone, are aware."

He said some cold callers take advantage of residents by putting them under pressure and being "forceful and intimidating".

"Our advice is always to close the door on them, do not agree to any work or hand over any personal details," he concluded.

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