FRAUDSTERS posing as highway officers are asking storm-hit residents for cash to clear away fallen trees.

East Sussex Trading Standards has warned people to be wary of rogue traders after reports of fraud following Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis.

More than 130 trees collapsed onto roads and pavements battered by the storm.

Team manager Richard Strawson said fraudsters often visit areas hit by storms and knock door-to-door offering work.

“Prices can start cheap but soon escalate with work being done of poor quality or unnecessarily with residents then unable to contact the trader when things go wrong,” he said.

“Many residents will be surveying storm damage on their home and will be needing traders to help remove fallen trees, repair fencing or undertake roof repairs.

“Experience has shown that rogue traders will often visit areas hit by storms and go door to door offering to undertake such work.”

Residents have been told to get at least three quotes from legitimate businesses before paying for repairs.

““I would like to assure the public that we would never approach residents and offer to carry out work for payment,” said East Sussex County Council official Karl Taylor.

“Teams have been working tirelessly across the county since Storm Ciara hit.”