LEDBURY residents are being warned to stay on the lookout for cold calling salesmen trying to exploit a new government energy saving initiative.

The Green Deal encourages householders and businesses to make energy efficiency improvements, with some or all of the cost paid for from the savings on their energy bills.

But Herefordshire Council’s trading standards service has warned that one elderly couple from Bredwardine were last week cold-called and misled into spending £249 on an energy-saving assessment, even though they already had sufficient loft and cavity wall insulation.

It is also warning that only approved Green Deal assessors can legitimately carry out and produce a Green Deal report on your property.

Head of customer services and business protection Mike Pigrem said: “Although we have managed to cancel this particular contract within the statutory seven day period for doorstep sales and therefore protect this couple, others may not be so fortunate.

“This is a really good scheme for people to get involved in, but I would strongly advise consumers to only seek approved assessors.”

To locate accredited Green Deal assessors and providers visit gov.uk/green-deal-energy-saving-measures.