WATCH out for 'green fingered' bogus callers who charge the earth for carrying out garden maintenance.

Warrington Police and the borough council are warning residents to be on their guard after a number of reports of bogus gardeners calling at houses in the town.

Neil Jukes, community safety officer, said: "Bogus callers often turn up on the door step unannounced and claim to offer a 'good deal', or they will convince the occupant they need work doing. Do not rush into making a decision and, if you feel intimidated, contact police."

Trading standards advise residents not to give work to anyone who knocks on the door, to get more than one quote, use traders recommended by friends and to get full details of the trader including name, address and landline telephone number.

For further advice call the council's trading standards department on 442678.