Residents have been warned over reports of 'rogue' tree surgeons in knocking on doors in Redditch. 

Worcestershire Trading Standards said they had received reports of people claiming to be tree surgeons and charging excessive prices for tree, hedge cutting and gardening work. 

Trading Standards officers have advised residents not to agree to have work done by cold callers even if they claim to have done work for a neighbour. 

Residents should also check whether trees have a Tree Preservation Order with Redditch Borough Council before agreeing to have any work done. 

In a post, Worcestershire Trading Standards said: "Reports received of rogue 'tree surgeons' door knocking in Redditch charging excessive prices for tree, hedge cutting and gardening work.

"Our advice is not to agree to have work done by any cold callers, even if they say they've worked for a neighbour.

"Before considering having work done to any trees check whether they are subject to a Tree Preservation Order with Redditch Borough Council. You might require permission to work on them."

For more information visit www.redditchbc.gov.uk/residents/my-place/landscapes-and-trees/tree-and-high-hedge-maintenance/managing-your-trees-including-tpo/