Police in Melksham are advising homeowners not to deal with cold-callers, after reports from the Bowerhill estate – as well as in Chippenham – of tradespeople offering to resurface driveways.

PC Barry Dalton, of the Melksham Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “If you are going to get work done you should go through a reputable local firm.

“Cold-callers will try to pressure you into a price. For any job over £35, they have to give a cooling-off period.”

Police want people to report cold-callers, who may be guilty of fraud, on 101.