TRADING standards officers have named and shamed eight rogue businesses using false information while offering household services.

The move follows an increasing number of complaints about cold calls to homes across Somerset.

In many cases, people are offered tarmac and home repairs from firms giving false addresses, making it difficult for customers to trace them if anything goes wrong.

The traders giving most concern to Somerset County Council have been named as Pattern Stone Paving, Somerset Driveway Services, South West Tarmac, Direct Pavers, Designer Drives, Broadway Paving, Newtek Developments and S&J Driveway Specialists.

Anyone approached by them or concerned about cold callers should call Consumer Direct on 08454-040506.

When visited by door-to-door salesmen: *don't be forced into a quick decision.

*get at least three quotes from reputable companies.

*only deal with firms with genuine telephone numbers and addresses beware of firms only using mobile numbers.

*fix a price and specify the exact work you want done.

*get everything in writing.

*you have up to seven days to cancel.

Howard Burnett, from Somerset's trading standards, said: "Failing to give the correct contact details and information about the consumer's right to cancel are criminal offences, meaning the traders can be prosecuted and fined for not following the rules."

Cllr Jim Mochnacz, the council's portfolio holder for community safety, said: "We'd urge consumers to exercise caution before they enter into a contract with anyone cold calling at their home and to be aware that traders may not always be what they seem."