RESIDENTS are being warned not to take up the services of a mystery white van man offering to cut down trees outside their properties.

The man has been knocking on doors in Accrington - particularly in the Milnshaw area - asking people if they would like trees removed from the grass verges next to the pavement at the front of their homes.

However, the trees are outside the boundaries of the properties and belong to Lancashire County Council.

Coun Clare Pritchard, a Hyndburn councillor for Milnshaw ward, said: "If the trees are cut down without council permission it is a criminal offence. The person who ordered the tree to be cut down can face prosecution."

A county council spokesman added: "It could be dangerous if the tree is not cut down properly, or safely, and may lead to long-term maintenance problems of the highway. We would ask anyone approached by the man to contact either the council, or the police, with details of the vehicle."