Residents have again been warned to be on their guard against bogus workmen operating in the area.

Conmen claiming they work for East Durham Homes, the company which looks after Easington District Council's housing stock, have been offering to carry out roofing services in the Westlea Grove area of Seaham.

They are believed to be carrying fake identity cards but tenants have now been told that all East Durham Homes employees will make an appointment prior to a visit.

A spokesman for East Durham Homes said that residents should ask anyone claiming to work for the company to show their identity badges.

"If anyone has any doubt about a holder of an identity badge being genuine, then we would ask them to please call the personnel department on 0191-527 0501, extension 2344, and we can confirm whether they are one of our employees or not,'' he said.

The Northern Echo last year launched its Doorsteppers campaign to crack down on bogus tradesmen and cold callers in the region.