Blackpool Council is warning residents to be aware of a scam tree cutting service which is being offered in Blackpool and areas around the north west.



The warning follows an incident on or around the 12 June when an elderly resident who resides on Daggers Lane, Blackpool was cold called by two men who offered a tree cutting service. She handed over £45 to two males before they promptly drove off without carrying out any work.

A neighbour has handed over two different tree services leaflets which she had been given to Blackpool’s Trading Standards team. The services being offered in the leaflets are identical but include different contact details.

One service uses the name ‘Northern Tree Services’ and provides the mobile number 07833 113 780. This same number has also been used in reported scams in S****horpe and Blackburn.

The other operation is called ‘The Special Branch Tree Services’ and gives the number 07502 498128.

Both these numbers are pre-paid numbers and both are untraceable.

General descriptions of the two males are as follows:

Male 1: Quite tall, dark hair 40-50 years old. No particular accent

Male 2: Much smaller, rotund, fair hair. No particular accent.

The vehicle used was a white flatback cab vehicle with drop down sides.

Tim Coglan, Blackpool Council’s Services Manager for Public Protection, said: “This was a despicable scam against an elderly lady and appears to be part of a wider bogus tree cutting service that is being promoted across the region.

“We would urge anyone who is concerned about a possible scam or worried about a friend or relative to contact Trading Standards.”

Call Trading Standards on 01253 478375 or email tradingstandards@blackpool.gov.uk. Alternatively, visit Blackpool Council’s website for further information www.blackpool.gov.uk