West Dunbartonshire Community Safety Partnership is asking residents to be careful if cold-callers come to their door.

The partnership, which includes Trading Standards, the Police and Public Reassurance, have been advising residents on how to avoid being duped by fraud businesses.

One of the key messages by the partnership concerned the Government's new Green Deal energy efficiency programme which is designed to help householders increase the energy efficiency of their properties with replacement boilers, windows or insulation.

Under the scheme, assessor firms can "sign-up" householders and pass their details on to installation companies. Both the assessors and installers require to be approved by the Government's Department of Energy and Climate Change.

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The Partnership advised that there are a number of approved firms for consumers to choose from and who are required to follow a code of conduct. This includes not approaching doors which display a "No Cold Caller" sticker, but it also warned that others will try to take advantage.

Kirsten Halliday of Trading Standards said: "Inevitably when there is a new product or service on the market some unscrupulous people will see it as an opportunity to take advantage. Their target is often the elderly and vulnerable and our message to people is to be on their guard to ensure they make the choice that is right for them."

Councillor Kath Ryall, Convenor of Corporate Services, added: "The Green Deal scheme presents a genuine opportunity for some residents to make their homes warmer and more energy-efficient. There are substantial savings to be made on fuel bills and that is something we all welcome. Raising awareness of the potential pitfalls can only be a good thing and I welcome this initiative to protect residents, especially those in a vulnerable position."

(JP/MH)