The council’s Trading Standards team has warned homeowners across Dumbarton and the Vale to be wary of doing business with a suspect paving firm.

The firm claims to be based in Milngavie and has been known to have leafleted homes in West Dunbartonshire last week.

A spokesman for West Dunbartonshire Trading Standards told the Reporter: “A copy of the leaflet was bought to our attention and following some brief checks it was established that the ‘freephone’ number is not actually free as it merely diverts to a mobile phone number.

“More worryingly, the Cloberfield Industrial Estate unit they claim to trade from does not actually exist.

“Both of these practices are criminal offences and if consumers had any problems with the quality of work carried out, there would be little prospect of any repairs or financial redress as the workmen could not be traced.

“While it is entirely a matter of personal choice for householders who they choose to do work in their homes and gardens, it is wise to make sure you deal with a reputable and traceable company.

“Those tempted to get work done after home visits are also generally entitled to a statutory 14 day cooling off period where they may cancel without penalty if no work has started.” Anyone who has had problems with this company should contact our partners at Citizens Advice Scotland on 0345 4040506.