UNSCRUPULOUS conmen are duping council house tenants into paying for non-existent repairs.

Stockton Borough Council's trading standards officers are warning residents to beware of doorstep canvassers claiming to be associated with the authority or the Government.

The conmen, who target elderly tenants, are persuading people to sign a housing repair questionnaire and insurance agreements to pay for the cost of legal action against the council if repairs are not done by a certain deadline.

They send tenants lists of repairs, claiming they have been reported to them. Council bosses say many of the repairs don't exist and have never been reported.

David Kitching, the council's trading standards manager, said: "These companies do not have any links with the Government or the council.

"I would urge caution and remind people that most agreements signed at home come with a short cooling off period during which time the customer can cancel."

Mr Kitching said some of the most vulnerable people in the town are being targeted.

He said: "They are being asked to sign up to substantial loans and insurance agreements to cover legal action costs against the council.

"What tenants don't realise is that it could lead to them having to pay costs once the action has been taken against the council.

"I am particularly concerned about the tactics these canvassers seem to be using and the safety issues of allowing complete strangers into the home.

"I cannot stress enough the importance of using a chain on the front door and only allowing people in if you are 100 per cent certain of their identity."