SHARP practices in the selling of public utilities such as water, electricity, gas and telephones are to be targeted as part of a cross-border initiative in Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Shropshire.

New Consumer Minister Melanie Johnson announced funding for the scheme as part of a £30million package nationwide aimed at clamping down on rogue traders who try to escape justice by moving from area to area.

Simon Cripwell, for trading standards at Warwickshire County Council, said £85,000 of the £149,000 award would be spent on co-ordinating the work of trading standards across the five counties.

The remainder will be spent on an 18-month pilot project to improve links between trading standards officers, consumers and the major utility companies.

"In particular we will deal with selling techniques, for example, knocking at the door, asking to read the meter and then getting the homeowner to sign a form that is really a change of contract," said Mr Cripwell.

In addition, the pilot will tackle problems of misleading information, unfair contract terms and credit and debt collection.

"This is about improving the quality of life for people, especially those on lower incomes who find it more difficult to access these services," said Mr Cripwell.

"We certainly have problems with some utilities in relation to sharp practices though it is not the norm.

"Most people have a good relationship with their utilities providers."