VILLAGERS are being warned of a potential rouge trader selling tarmac in the Ellisfield area.

Police have reported that a man driving a black Land Rover around the village yesterday was offering ‘surplus’ tarmac for sale at a cheap price.

The man, who is described as having dark hair and a northern accent, was seen to be cold calling properties around lunchtime.

PC Andrew Reid of Basingstoke CID is urging residents to seriously consider purchasing any items, such as tarmac, from cold calling door-to-door sales people.

He said: “If it looks too good to be true, it usually is.

“If you are subject to cold calling please call Hampshire Trading Standards on 01962 833620.”

Officers are encouraging residents to use trading standards' 'Buy With Confidence' booklet, which is a national register of approved businesses run independently by local authority trading standards departments.

If anyone is concerned about cold callers or rouge traders they should call Basingstoke CID on 101 quoting 44160329868​.