RESIDENTS are being told to be on their guard against bogus tree surgeons and gardeners, after one woman was conned out of £80 for work she did not agree to.

The warning came from trading standards bosses, who say bogus workmen are targeting homeowners over the winter period.

They fear that in the bleak weather, householders may want to take advantage of any offer to remove overgrown trees or shrubs. But they say residents should steer well clear of cold-callers.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire trading standards said: "It is possible that the person knocking at the door is inexperienced in the work that is offered, and may cause irreparable damage to branches being cut back, to the extent that the tree or shrub might subsequently die off.

"Furthermore, in the case of unsolicited calls, where the value of the contract is greater than £35, cancellation rights should be given, allowing the householder time to think again."

A Selby resident recently forked out £80 for some trees to be cut back, even though she had not agreed to the work going ahead.

The spokesman said that in that case criminal damage had been committed, and because there was no prior agreement for the work or for any cancellation rights, there was not a valid contract.

He advised residents approached in such a manner to contact trading standards and the police.

Updated: 11:05 Tuesday, December 06, 2005