COUNCIL chiefs are urging residents to beware of workmen offering to resurface their driveways at cut-price rates.

Old people living in the Hythe and Holbury area are being targeted by cold callers claiming to have material left over from jobs they have done “down the road”.

The workmen are offering residents a written quote and the right to cancel within seven days.

But the Safer New Forest Partnership (SNFP), which includes the district council and other organisations, says it is concerned about the quality of work and possible lack of after-sales service.

The SNFP is urging residents to keep a protective eye on elderly or vulnerable neighbours.

Councillor Jill Cleary, Cabinet member for housing and communities, said: “If you’re thinking of having any work done, including resurfacing of your driveway, it pays to deal with reputable local tradesmen who, if something goes wrong, will return and sort out the problem.

“Always get a number of written estimates for any work, along with a description of what the work will entail and how it will be done.”