A TARMAC gang is targeting elderly people in Harrogate, allegedly threatening violence if residents do not agree to take its services.

North Yorkshire County Council chiefs have issued a warning to people in the town about the activities of a gang operating in the area.

Trading standards officers are working with North Yorkshire Police to investigate a number of alleged incidents.

They believe the gang members, who claim to be council workers, have issued threats of violence and damage to property when door-stepping prospective "clients".

Stuart Pudney, head of trading standards at the county council, has urged consumers to avoid paying for driveway resurfacing or property repairs from their front door.

He said: "This gang is misrepresenting itself to businesses and consumers, claiming to be part of the borough council highways department. The gang has threatened violence to older people and their families, and has also threatened damage to property."

The gang appeared to be approaching elderly people and providing quotes for resurfacing driveways.

Mr Pudney said that the quality of the work was not only sub-standard, but at an inflated price and did not represent value for money. He advised consumers to be on the lookout for the gang, but stressed that people should always obtain three written quotations from reputable tradesmen before agreeing to any work.

Any consumer receiving approaches from the gang, or who has any concerns over work being carried out, should ring 01609 780780 and ask for trading standards.

Updated: 11:05 Saturday, March 29, 2003