RESIDENTS should be on their guard following complaints that rogue gardeners are targeting homes in Warrington.

Officers at trading standards say they are worried that opportunists are following genuine gardeners after complaints from residents who have been duped by a person fraudulently claiming to be working for their existing gardener.

One reported incident involved a delivery of mulch, supposedly on behalf of a woman's regular gardener, but the unsuspecting householder discovered the deception only after paying the bill.

Officers say residents can follow some easy tips to avoid being duped, such as securing a fixed price, getting three separate quotes for each job and written details of all work to be done.

For more information call 08454 040506.