Residents in the Burnham-On-Sea area have this week been warned not to be duped by cold-calling driveway tarmacers claiming to operate on behalf of Somerset County Council.
To help give themselves credibility the council says the scammers have been operating in areas where the council has been carrying out work on highways.
No firm which is acting on behalf of the council would also be recommended to patch-up or lay private driveways and any company using this approach should be reported to Trading Standards.
Several complaints have been received by Trading Standards about the quality of some private tarmac work.
David Hall, the County Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for Trading Standards, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “An offer from firms saying they are associated with the County Council to lay a new driveway would be tempting, but that offer would be a false one.”
“I urge anyone receiving an offer like that for any service to report it and allow Trading Standards to investigate.”
“If you want to be sure that any service has been inspected and approved by Somerset County Council, the Trading Standards scheme Buy With Confidence has a list of local traders who comply with all relevant legislation and offer good customer service.”
To make a report and receive advice, call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 040506. Information will be passed to Trading Standards.
