ELDERLY residents in Wyre Forest are being warned to stay vigilant against “official looking” leaflets offering subsidies for roofing work have been distributed across the area.

Worcestershire Trading Standards said the material is being aimed at retired, semi-retired and over 60s suggesting they could qualify for financial assistance or a subsidy payment of up to 40 per cent for roof protection or renewal.

The leaflet promotes roof coating as an alternative to a replacement roof and claims to make roofs ‘maintenance free’ for up to 20 years.

But officers said similar claims have been investigated by Trading Standards in other parts of the West Midlands and found to be fraudulent and the offers misleading.

Worcestershire Trading Standards Service consider the content of this leaflet misleads consumers into believing that financial assistance and subsidy is officially endorsed or even government backed and that they will be receiving a bargain deal whereas this is probably not the case at all.

There is no such government funding or subsidy currently available for roof coating and renewal work. Officers of the Service are currently making enquiries.

Councillor Lucy Hodgson, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Localism and Communities said: "We are asking residents to be vigilant and keep their wits about them when they receive promotional flyers out of the blue for work to their home or garden.

“If anyone is concerned or if they know someone who may have fallen victim to this roof coating scam then they should report it to Trading Standards."

Reports to Trading Standards can be made by calling the Citizens Advice Bureau Advice line on 03454 040506. People can also report scams or suspected scams to Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040 or via www.actionfraud.police.uk