ETHNIC food businesses across Rossendale have been warned to be alert after shops were approached by a bogus salesman claiming to be from the local council.

Both Rochdale and Oldham councils have received a number of calls from worried traders, including the owners of Indian restaurants, about someone trying to sell the official Health and Safety Act poster.

Council chiefs said the salesman has been advising bosses they can be prosecuted for failing to display a proper notice and then offering to sell the posters for £30 - an inflated price.

Rossendale and Bury Council's environmental health teams are warning traders to be on their guard.

Environmental health officer, Natasha Franklin, said: "Businesses do have to display the official health and safety notice on their premises but they can obtain one for just £7.50.

"There is no need to buy one at this price and we are concerned that businesses are being exploited.

"No one representing the council will be visiting businesses to sell them a poster."

Anyone with concerns can contact the environmental health and safety teams in Rossendale on 01706 217777 or Bury on 0161 253 5526.

Official Health and Safety Act posters are available from HSE Books and the health and safety team will send out order form.