TRADING standards officers have been giving advice to residents about rogue traders and aggressive doorstep sellers.

They took part in the 12th UK-wide campaign last week to highlight the dangers that agreeing to have work carried out by cold-callers can bring. During last year’s Rogue Trader Operation, nearly 300 people were arrested, £3million worth of property was recovered and more than 5,000 vehicles inspected.

Council staff carried out visits in Bury following complaints from older people last year.

Angela Lomax, Bury’s head of trading standards and licensing, said: “Rogue traders often offer gardening work or building repairs at attractive prices but the quality of work is sub-standard, unnecessary or overpriced. They often use persuasive sales techniques to encourage people into making hasty decisions.”

To report rogue traders, call 08454 04 05 06.