HARLOW Council tenants are being warned to be careful of cold callers who offer loans to carry out home repairs.

Representatives from private companies have offered residents loans for repairs on their properties, which they are told they can claim back from insurance once the work has been done.

But Harlow Council repairs tenants' homes free of charge so people who take up the service could face problems in getting their money back.

Councillor Derek Eardley said: "I'm conficent that all outstanding repairs will be carried out as quickly as possible."

Residents with homes in need of repair can ring the repairs centre on 01279 446666.