KEIGHLEY householders are being warned to be on their guard against rogue traders.

The advice follows a rise in complaints about people going door-to-door offering to carry out work.

West Yorkshire Trading Standards says unscrupulous traders charge extortionate prices for unnecessary jobs and often their work is substandard.

They particularly target elderly and vulnerable people.

A new, multi-agency task force – including Trading Standards, the police and social services – has been set-up to investigate doorstep crime and help victims.

Linda Davis, head of the task force, said: "We are striving to catch these rogues and bring them to justice, keeping them out of our communities where they are causing very real damage to residents' lives.

"We would advise residents not to do business on the doorstep and, if you are worried about paying for home improvements, to use a vetted trader scheme."

Councillor Val Slater – deputy chairman of the West Yorkshire joint services committee, which oversees Trading Standards – said: "I urge consumers to be on their guard against doorstep traders following this recent spate of complaints.

"If you are concerned that you or a neighbour may be a victim, please contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 040506."