Page 30 - link magazine

30 The Link Magazine • February 2006
Don't let the cowboys get to you
WILTSh IRE
LAW It's extremely frustrating when you get taken in by a rogue trader, or if a job has not been done to your
satisfaction. But help is at hand from the Trading Standards consumer advice service located at the Safer
CENTRE Swindon Shop in Havelock Street, writes shop manager Jean Goncalvez.
Free legal advice in.. Advice on any big or small J^ . .n=ccn Avoid Co Safer Swindon Shop recently
matter is available to consum- advised victims of the Spanish
Welfare Benefits, Housing, ers. Lottery Scam—some having lost
Debt, Immigration The most common complain t several thousands of pounds to
and Mental Health Law
relates to house repairs and the conmen involved.
Open: Mon - Fri. 9.30am to 4pm home improvements. Many Advice is also available free
if you have problems in these consumers find themselves un- of charge to Swindon busi-
areas, don't suffer in silence happy with work carried out nesses. If you need to know
We are here to help so visit us at by a tradesman such as a builder about your rights in relation to
Temple House, or plumber — or even worse a dispute with a supplier, or to
115-118 Commercial Road, Swindon, find that they cannot get hold make sure you get it right when
Call 01793 486926, or email: of the workman after paying a dealing with your customers,
wiltslawcentre(Bdial.pipex.com deposit for work to be done. contact us.
Consumer advisors offer free The Consumer Advice Serv-
impartial advice on how to deal ice at the Safer Swindon Shop is
Do von want to make a difference with these types of complaints. open Monday to Friday, 10am
to people's lives? Where extra help is needed they Jean Gonealaez, right, with consumer advisor to 3.30pm.
Do you have an NVQ Level 2 can draft letters or in extreme Carla Baker at the Safer Swindon Shop You can also call Consumer
in Care? cases prepare court papers. Direct South West on 0845
Do you have your own motor However, prevention is always who call at the door. 4040506 (lo-call rate) on Monday
better than cure so visit the Safer Even if you have got involved 8am to 6.30pm and Saturday gam
transport?
We are looking for very special people Swindon Shop for some pre-shop- with a 'cowboy' it's never too late to I pm.
to join our team of ping advice. Advisors can offer to seek advice. Often you have The Safer Swindon Shop offers
BANK STAFF plenty of tips and leaflets describ- more rights than you think and advice on all aspects of commu-
to undertake care work in the ing how to avoid some of the com- Trading Standards Officers may nity safety from personal safety,
community especially evenings, mon pitfalls when having work well be able to give advice that can security of your property to fire
and weekends done around the house. save you thousands of pounds or safety. Personal security alarms can
Some of the most serious con- allow you to send the tradesperson be purchased for £6 each.
Swindon 1 Wood Street
Carers sumer complaints dealt with at the away and get the job finished prop- Property markers are available
Centre Swindon Safer Swindon Shop relate to cow- erly. free of charge for marking all your
iC,',,
S
boy builders — many who call at Scams were a big issue during Christmas gifts, CDs and DVDs
Telephone 01793 542285 the doorstep. Trading Standards 2005 and look as if they will con- also unwanted caller stickers to
for an application pack advice is: never deal with builders tinue this year. Advisors at the deter doorstep sellers.