COUNCIL tenants are being warned to beware of insurance salesmen claiming to have council backing.

Easington District Council is urging householders not to let the sellers into their homes because it has no involvement with the unnamed company.

The council issued the warning after receiving complaints from tenants, mostly in the Thornley and Trimdon areas, who were approached.

The salesmen have been calling at homes, including those of elderly tenants, offering policies against delays and costs with repairs by the council.

A council spokeswoman said: "The culprits are claiming they have the full backing of the District of Easington Council, as well as saying they are from a firm which is selling insurance policies against delays and costs in council repairs.

"The District of Easington stresses that the firm is not approved by the council and does not have the housing department's support.

"Any repairs or queries relating to repairs would be dealt with by the council itself.

"A number of tenants have already complained to the council and the police have been informed.

"Householders and tenants who are being approached are asked to exercise caution, refuse entry and, if they are in any doubt about the validity of the caller, to contact the council immediately."

Council officials can be contacted by ringing 0191-527 0501.