Halesowen residents have been urged to be wary of traders knocking at the door after complaints were filed with trading standards.

Residents are urged to go by recommendations from friends, family or neighbours and get quotes from more than one trader, get a written quotation with a landline contact.

Halesowen and Sedgley residents have complained over incidents of high pressure selling, over charging, poor workmanship and threatening behaviour used by sellers.

Mike Chambers, Dudley trading standards manager, said: "There are traders who go door to door offering to tidy residents' gardens, lay new driveways, cut back trees or carry out repairs to properties.

"We would urge people at all times to think carefully before taking on these kinds of traders."

People who need a reliable plumber, builder, roofer, gardener get a Fix a Home List from trading standards and Age Concern. The traders on the list have all been vetted by trading standards.

For a copy of the fix-a-home list or window stickers call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.