Warnings over driveway scammers

An investigation has begun amid claims a company was pretending to be Lincolnshire County Council and fixing driveways and potholes in Spalding.

The authority has moved to assure residents that it will not turn up unannounced and offer to do work for someone.

Lincolnshire Police has urged people to be wary over reports of doorstep traders offering similar work in the Spalding area.

A spokesman said: “We’ve received reports of doorstep traders offering to complete tarmac works on driveways in the Spalding area.

“Please remember, don’t accept work without obtaining quotes and be wary of accepting offers from doorstep traders and cold callers.

“If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is! If you’re not sure, don’t open the door.

“Doorstep sellers rely on you to engage with them.”

Senior Trading Standards Officer, Joanne Hocking, said: “We’ve been made aware of a company who are allegedly misleading people into believing they are from ‘highways’ and offering to carry out resurfacing work such as Tarmacing or repairing potholes.

“Residents should take care to research any company before agreeing to contract them for any work. In this case, especially if they are responsible for a community facility, or a town and parish council.”

Karen Cassar, assistant director for highways at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “A highways officer, or one of our contractors, would never approach someone out of the blue and offer to do work for them.

“If you are ever unsure whether someone is working on behalf of the county council highways team, contact the council on 01522 552222 to confirm before agreeing to anything.”