PRIMARY schools in Oxfordshire have been warned about a line-painting scam that has left headteachers with bills of up to £2,700.

So far, seven schools have fallen foul of workers falsely claiming to be from Oxfordshire County Council’s highways department.

Officers from the council’s trading standards department fear many more organisations may have been targeted.

In a twist on the traditional cut-price driveway asphalt scam, schools are told that council workers have white paint left over and can repaint their car park makings for a discount price.

The quote is ambiguous and the work carried out when no one is around, Oxfordshire trading standards head Martin Woodley said.

Schools have then asked to pay sums between £500 and £2,700 for the work. Mr Woodley said: “One school was charged £1,691 for literally six lines and one disabled space.

“That’s probably one tin of paint and half-an-hour’s work.”

“The bills are varied, so it shows they’re not charging by measurement. They’re charging what they think they can get away with.”

“One school didn’t even agree for the work to be done but they turned up and did it anyway.”

The most recent incident was at West Oxford Primary School, in Ferry Hinksey Road.

Mr Woodley, who is investigating the incidents, said he had seen a similar trick used on churches and village halls in the past, but never at schools.

“Schools need to be wary, but also churches, hospitals – anywhere with car parks,” he added.

Last summer, Henley Town Council was taken in by a similar scheme.

Town clerk Mike Kennedy said: “You wouldn’t think a group of fairly intelligent people could be duped in this way.”

The council was presented with a bill for £2,300 for line marking in the town’s Wooton Road car park, but did not pay after trading standards stepped in.

“But for their involvement, we would have been out of pocket and taxpayers would have picked up the bill,” added Mr Kennedy.

cburatta@oxfordmail.co.uk l Anyone who has been made an offer to carry out similar line painting work should call the trading standards department on 08450 510845.