GAS customers are being urged to be wary of door-to-door salesmen offering cheaper supplies in return for a 'registration' fee.

Some customers have been asked to pay a £30 fee up front but one company offering cheaper supplies has already ceased trading.

Competition in the gas supply market is due to be introduced in the North West from next year, although the exact date has not yet been fixed.

Companies are already trying to tempt customers away from British Gas with offers of cheaper gas supplies. However, the North West Gas Consumer Council has advised customers that they will not need to pay a fee to obtain a cheaper supply.

It also urges customers not to take the first offer that comes along and to carefully consider all the available offers.

Chairman of Lancashire's Fire Service and Public Protection Committee Coun Bob Clark, said: "We feel it is unreasonable to seek a fee for a service so far in advance, which may prove unnecessary as the supply companies will publish information and compete for customers themselves."

Anyone who has been approached by salesmen and is worried should ring Lancashire's Trading Standards Department on 01772 263573.

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