THE elderly are being targeted by a bogus workman posing as a maintenance worker for a Blackburn housing association.

The man, who claims to be from Twin Valley Homes, is calling on pensioners, claiming to have been sent to make their doors safer.

He has made various calls to addresses in Crosby Road, in the Highercroft area of Blackburn, where he has asked for £10 in return for his work.' Today ward councillor for Highercroft, Coun Dorothy Walsh, issued a warning to residents to be "on their guard."

Coun Walsh said: "Employees from organisations including Twin Valley Homes, gas and electricity suppliers, water companies, telephone companies and all the rest, all carry identification that includes a photograph of themselves.

"This should be checked carefully and if you are in doubt ask the caller for a telephone number so that you can check if they are genuine or not.

"Anyone who is genuine will not mind giving you the phone number.

"Remember not to let them inside your home until you have carried out this check and to lock your door whilst you are doing this.

"These people can and will strike anywhere so all older people should be on their guard."

Twin Valley Homes manages 8,500 homes in Blackburn with Darwen, as the biggest provider of rented accommodation in the borough.

Managing director Kevin Ruth said: "Twin Valley Homes do not engage in the practice of cold-calling to sell services to our customers and we deplore those who who aim to mislead out customers in this way."