Homeowners in York who are being offered the chance of free or cheap conservatories and central heating were warned today: You don't get owt for nowt.

York trading standards officers say that if you are being offered a deal that seems too good to be true, be wary.

Leaflets have been dropping through letter boxes in the York area, offering designer kitchens, gas central heating and luxury conservatories, for 'little or no cost'.

The officers say people should think carefully before committing themselves to buying expensive products and services advertised on these leaflets.

They say some previous 'show house' schemes have failed to live up to their promises, some even going bust, leaving customers with large unmanageable debts.

"Five York residents who'd purchased conservatories told us that they had thought the price charged was high, but that they had been persuaded that the actual cost to them would be negligible," said Colin Rumford, head of trading standards.

"Introductions did not happen, commissions weren't paid and four of them decided to add the cost of the work to their mortgage and the other has approached the lender as they can no longer afford the repayments.

"Whilst the improvements to your home may increase its value, the purchases are usually made with credit agreements and therefore the actual cost of the installations including interest may be far greater than the benefit."

He said the enticing leaflets give details of how to become one of the lucky customers to be chosen to be used as a show house.

"Before being allowed to apply for the scheme people are taken to the nearest available show home, usually in a neighbouring town. The person they meet will usually have received many introductions already and will feel very good about the scheme," said Mr Rumford.

Customers pay for improvements to their house - sometimes as much as £18,000 - and then receive a payment for every prospective customer who visits their home.http://home./

Anyone worried about such leaflets, or who has committed himself to an agreement, can get some advice from trading standards on 01904 551562.

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