A WARNING has been issued over a pernicious scam which has seen rogue traders target schools and churches. Trading Standards in Herts has issued the warning after traders claiming to be from the county council s highways authority have targeted school

A WARNING has been issued over a "pernicious scam" which has seen rogue traders target schools and churches.

Trading Standards in Herts has issued the warning after "traders" claiming to be from the county council's highways authority have targeted schools, libraries and churches offering to re-paint car park bays and sports pitches.

They said the job could be carried out because paint had been left over from previous jobs carried out in the area.

Trading Standards said that once work was completed people were being charged "hugely inflated prices" and is some cases had been intimidated.

Cllr Keith Emsall, executive member for community safety and culture, said: "This is a particularly pernicious scam because it targets organisations operating for the public good.

"Our advice is never to deal with cold-calling building contractors as reputable firms do not generally take that approach."

These rogue workers are said to be charging £2a-foot - a breach of weights and measures legislation - and small jobs can cost more than £1,000.