A warning about conmen offering tree surgeon services has been issued by Epping Forest District Council. They say Ongar residents should be wary of cowboys as they clear up after the storms.

People wanting damaged trees removed can help avoid problems by following a few simple guidelines, say officials. The advice is to always use a reputable contractor, and to think carefully before committing yourself.

They say a responsible contractor will give a written quotation on headed paper, provide evidence of insurance and show a legitimate correspondence address.

Legitimate contractors will not knock on doors without an appointment, except in exceptional circumstances, or pressurise people into having any work done immediately. They only work weekends if there are exceptional circumstances.

Council spokesman Chris Neilan said:"Every year we receive reports of cowboy tree contractors who have literally conned people out of money that they need not have spent.

"They often have no understanding of trees and no concern about doing a proper job. Even simple tasks can go dangerously wrong, leaving the tree ruined."

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