LOOK out for people offering to do tree work and claiming to be authorised by Redditch Borough Council – that’s the warning from town hall officials.
They say council staff or contractors would never cold call offering to do paid work.
And they that if anyone is visited by a council employee for any reason, they will always be happy to show you their identification and provide an official contact at the borough council.
The reminder comes after a Winyates resident was convinced to part with cash by a man offering ‘tree services’, who falsely claimed to have council permission to carry out work on a tree near their home.
The man took the payment and damaged the tree, which had to be put right by actual council tree surgeons.
Councillor Brandon Clayton, the borough’s portfolio holder for environmental services, said: “Please be vigilant against such scams.
“The tree will recover, but the resident won’t see their money again.
“Please know that when it comes to trees the council doesn’t work like this and never will.
“Don’t ever give any money unless you’re satisfied that the person has the proper identification.”
The borough has more than three million trees and maintaining trees on public land, such as paths, roadsides, council properties, and public open spaces, is almost always the responsibility of the borough council.
For anything relating to these trees visit www.redditchbc.gov.uk/trees or contact the Tree Works team on 01527 881188.
For work carried out on a property you own in Worcestershire, council officers suggest residents try Checkatrade, at www.checkatrade.com or 0333 0146 190. Checkatrade works in partnership with Worcestershire County Council Trading Standards to vet businesses and monitor customer feedback.
To report a suspected rogue trader contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06, or you can report illegal or suspicious activity to the Police on 101.
