A WARNING has gone out to householders in Wyre to beware of conmen claiming to be providing free loft insulation.

The bogus callers have been offering to install loft or cavity wall insulation free of charge to people receiving benefit and claiming that they are approved by Wyre Council.

But the council has issued a statement saying they have not authorised any contractors to canvas home owners or residents about home insulation and do not support door-to-door calling without prior notice.

Wyre environmental health officer Rodger Wightman said: "We are always very concerned when we hear of bogus tradesmen operating in the area, or even legitimate contractors claiming that they are approved or recommended by Wyre Council.

"There is no excuse for misleading the public, particularly the elderly or vulnerable, and we would always recommend the identification of the caller is thoroughly checked and, if possible, people should take a note of their car or van details."

He added that all Wyre Council staff are issued with identification cards and if people had any doubt they should contact the council or the police.

A grant scheme called the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme does offer grants for home insulation for home owners or tenants who receive benefits.

These are not awarded or administered by the council, however, but by the Energy Action Grants Agency Ltd.

Information about this scheme is available on (0800) 0720150.

If anyone is visited by a contactor offering insulation and suggesting they are working for Wyre Council, or are approved or recommended by the Council, they should contact the Environmental Health Service Unit on (01253) 887417/(01253) 887418.

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