WEST Somerset residents are being warned to beware of 'cold callers' selling loft and cavity wall insulation claiming to be from a Government-backed scheme.

The Warm Streets initiative provides free insulation for many home owners and privately rented properties.

But after reports of companies making bogus claims, West Somerset Council is urging residents to check the identity of all callers if they have any concerns.

The council's group manager for community Ian Timms said he could confirm that no official Warm Streets callers were in the area at the moment or were likely to be in the near future.

"People who call from the Warm Streets initiative send letters to areas that are going to be visited in advance of calling at homes," he said.

"They carry official ID as well as a letter bearing the council logo which is stamped by the local police station on the day of calling."

Mr Timms said the Warm Streets officials would have contact numbers and residents could check their authenticity before letting them into their homes.

"Genuine officials will not mind you closing the door while they wait outside for you to do this or being asked to call back later."

The council has made it clear that it does not cold call or phone people asking for their bank details.

Mr Timms said anyone in doubt or with concerns about people claiming to represent the council or Warm Streets could contact the council on 01643 703704, or for other suspicious cold callers, the police on 101.

The Warm Streets initiative is still available to residents in West Somerset and details are available from the Centre for Sustainable Energy on 0800 0822234.