RESIDENTS are being warned to be on their guard after an elderly lady in Appleton was approached last Friday (11 March) by two men claiming to be selling compost on behalf of Warrington Borough Council.
The pair demanded £60 for the compost, but settled for £20 when the woman explained that she did not have £60. They drove away in a large, plain dark blue van.
Hitesh Patel
One man is described as being in his mid-fifties, broad build, about 5’9” and wearing a green uniform and cap; the other was in his late twenties. Neither of them represents Warrington Borough Council.
Cllr Hitesh Patel, executive member for personnel and communications, said: “Council employees would only call on service users without an appointment in exceptional circumstances and they all carry identification with them. Anybody approached in this way should ask to see their ID badges, which have their names and photographs on them.
Cllr Judith Guthrie, executive board member for environment and public protection, added: “If anybody remains suspicious, it is better to be safe than sorry. Genuine council employees will happily wait or rearrange the appointment.”
Residents are urged to report any similar incidents to Cheshire Police on 101 or to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Hotline on 0345 404 0506
