After the progress of the storm through the County, residents should be wary of doorstep callers offering to repair any damage.

The team want to remind residents that rogue traders will be on the lookout for easy pickings and could use scare tactics to get people to rush into repairs that may be either unnecessary or end up being botched jobs.

Paul Smith, WCC Director responsible for Trading Standards, said: “Rogue builders and repairers invariably move into areas following events like this and look to make money by ripping people off. They may lie about the extent of damage to property and about the repairs that are required. Work that they do then undertake is often poor quality and it may cost more to rectify the damage they do than a legitimate repair would have cost.

"The clear message from us is do not do business with anyone who appears at your door. If you think you might claim on your insurance, find out from your insurer what you need to do before you go ahead and get someone in. If you’re covered, they may commission someone to do the work themselves or at least look at the damage first. If not, do try to get more than one quote so you have an idea of the legitimate cost and only use legitimate traders.

"Ask questions about their history. If you can, get a recommendation from someone you know and trust and, if in doubt, consider a business from one of the schemes where traders are vetted before they can advertise. This may take a little longer but you will be safer in the long run and you won't risk more pain than Doris has already caused.”