Farnham Town Council has warned local businesses to be cautious before paying for listings on a business directory website that is not affiliated with the council.

The council is advising businesses to think carefully before parting with money for a listing on a website called Farnham.parish.uk, which is part of a wider network of sites operated by a US-based organisation known as the Parish.uk network.

Farnham Town Council said the website is not connected to its official site and is not endorsed by the council.

To date, nearly 140 local businesses are understood to have paid to appear in the online directory.

Town clerk Iain Lynch said: “Having had this site brought to our attention by several local businesses, I encourage anybody who is approached by the parish.uk network to carefully consider whether paying for an entry in their business directory will benefit their business.

“Farnham Town Council has its own business directory and offers all Farnham-based businesses a free listing which includes their business name, contact details, a description and a photo or logo. Businesses can submit their details online at www.farnham.gov.uk/directory-listings.

Make it Farnham – the Business Improvement District for the centre of Farnham also offers a free listing on its website for levy payers – see www.makeitfarnham.co.uk.”

As well as providing free directory listings, the town council also offers sponsorship packages for businesses looking to promote themselves alongside what it describes as a trusted local partner.

Further information about sponsorship opportunities is available at www.farnham.gov.uk/sponsorship.