Kent Trading Standards are urging Thanet residents to been on their guard against unsolicited callers offering to carry out block paved driveway work.

It follows a number of reports from the Minster area.

A KTS spokesman said: " Consumers should be aware that they have legal rights when approached at their doorstep for such work, allowing them a period of seven days to cancel the contract, before any work is commenced.

"Whilst a consumer can override that right, and have work started immediately, this is not recommended unless it is a legitimate emergency.

"It is our experience that often consumers who agree to such work when they feel pressurised , may regret their decision and end up with a sub standard job. It is not always possible at an early stage to assess the quality of the work being done, particularly in the case of block paving, and shoddy work may only become apparent some weeks after completion when the full amount has been paid and the trader has long since disappeared .

"If you use such itinerant traders you may find it impossible to contact them or get them to remedy faulty workmanship . So although they may seem to be quoting you a low price it can be a costly mistake if you have to pay another trader to put the work right at a later stage."

KTS say it best to get written quotes from several reputable traders. To find a reputable trader ask for recommendations from friends and family and visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk to find a trader who has been vetted by Trading Standards. Consumer Direct can also provide details of Trading Standards Approved Traders and they can be contacted on 08454 04 05 06.

To report similar incidents or to obtain consumer advice contact Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.