A CHARTERED surveyor from Moulton is warning his neighbours not to pay over the odds after an unexpected claim for ground rent dating back 20 years.

Paul Wood, of Meadow Lane, said people on his road and from Lodge Drive have received letters asking for money.

He spoke out at Moulton Parish Council’s latest meeting to issue a warning and appeal to residents to report any concerns to Trading Standards.

He said: “Someone’s purchased ground rents and is demanding certain sums from people at addresses around Meadow Lane and Lodge Drive.

“I’m a chartered surveyor so know about this, they’re asking for sums going back 20 years but under the Limitations Act any demand can only ask for six years.

“I have paid the minimum requirement by law under the Limitations Act, they’ve cashed the cheque but won’t send me a receipt or paperwork – although they have sent for the remainder, £120-plus.

“It’s come to my attention that people are paying it and are paying more than they have to.”

Clrs Pauline Vernon and Denise Watkinson said they remembered a similar incident happening in the village about 20 years ago and recommended reporting it to Trading Standards.

Paul said: “I did report it but was told that until someone else reports there’s nothing they can do.

“They’ll put it on record but until they get a number of complaints they can’t do anything with it.”

Phil Sanders, parish clerk, said: “As a group do as much as you can and warn people to beware and take advice on it.”