Warrington Trading Standards have been informed of an incident that took place in the Lymm area on Saturday 22 December.

Gutter cleaning work had been carried out on the home of a 95-year-old resident.  Returning the following day to complete the work the genuine trader found a rogue trader believed to be using a white van had already collected payment. The elderly lady had mistaken the caller and paid £55 for a job originally estimated at far less.

click here to view the full warning

Warrington Trading Standards have been notified of a man offering to powerwash roofs and driveways in the Stockton Heath area. The man left a leaflet giving both a mobile and Freephone number. Although there are claims of a 7-year warranty the leaflet does not include the name or address of the trader.

click here to view the full warning

Police are warning residents to be on their guard after a lady in the Winwick area was the victim of a distraction burglary. The male bogus callers told the lady that an explosion had occurred nearby and they would need to check the water supply. After the callers had left, the lady realised that they had been through her belonging and called the Police.

Trading Standards have also been made aware of similar incidents when two males claiming to be from United Utilities tried to gain access to a house in the Penketh area. On this occasion the callers did not gain access to the property.

click here to view the full warning

Warrington Trading Standards have been made aware by an employee of another Local Authority of an incident in the Locking Stumps area. An older couple has been cold called by a company offering to jet wash and apply sealant to the block paving around the house.

The trader offers a 10 year guarantee that looks quite professional although on closer inspection it does not have an owner’s name and address so the consumer would struggle to implement. The gentleman was not told that he had a right to cancel and was charged £400. Trading Standards contacted the trader on his 0800 number but he was unable to give an address and terminated the call.

click here to view the full warning

Warrington Trading Standards Officers have been made aware by Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service of a number of reported unauthorised bonfires. Incidents have occurred at several locations in the Borough where fires have been ignited.

Fire Officers have reported that wheelie bins are also being targeted and advise that bins should be put out only on the morning of collection and once emptied, removed as soon as possible and stored in a safe place.

Trading Standards have seized a quantity of fireworks following a report that they were being sold from a house in Warrington. If you have been offered fireworks or are aware of any sales from vehicles or private houses please contact Trading Standards on 08454 040506.

click here to view the full warning