By Julia Fisher

COUNCIL tenants are being warned not to allow contractors into their homes until they are completely satisfied they are working on behalf of Wigan and Leigh Housing.

The warning comes after numerous complaints to area housing offices that people claiming to be working for the council have been entering tenants homes to collect information on repairs required and carry out surveys for future improvements.

It is believed they then gather information used in compensation claims.

Wigan and Leigh Housing chief executive Peter Gee said: "These people have no connection with Wigan Council or Wigan & Leigh Housing and anyone who is working for us should be able to produce appropriate identity.

"Where we intend to carry out major repairs tenants will be notified in advance about the name of the contractor and all employees should hold identification. If anyone has any doubts over the identity of a visitor, they should not allow them into their homes until they are completely satisfied that they are working on behalf of the Wigan and Leigh Housing Company."

Repairs can be reported to the company by telephone, letter, personal visit to the area housing office, or to staff who are on the estates every day.