A gang of cowboy builders are ripping-off elderly and vulnerable homeowners.

In the last week an 83 year-old Lowton woman paid more than £300 for sub-standard repair work to her drive.

And another family in Whelley was hit with a bill of £200 for shoddy block paving work.

Wigan Council trading standards officer Julie Middlehurst said: “It’s clear this gang is operating all over the borough and they may be doing the work but from the complaints we have received it seems to be of a very poor standard.

”The people who have fallen victim to this gang have lost relatively large amounts of money for work that appears to be quite poor. We would urge anyone who has a visit from this gang or anyone else who calls offering to do this kind of work to say no.

”If you do need work doing on your drive or any part of the house or garden always use reputable firms. You can find plenty in the local paper, business directories or from recommendations from friends.”

The team drove a white van with the company name on the side. The man in charge is described as smartly dressed in a dark suit and well-spoken with an Irish accent. He was in his early 50s, 5ft,11in with black hair.