Hamper campaign website launched

The BRC say they're not planning a 'compensation package' Watch: Latest reports

Working Lunch viewers have got together to launch a website with information about their Farepak campaign.

The hamper company collapsed two weeks ago leaving around 100,000 customers deprived of their Christmas savings.

The website includes a forum where Farepak customers and agents can exchange information.

It is part of a national media campaign started by two viewers after they got in touch with a publicist on the programme.

The government decided to launch an investigation into the company's dealings after the issue was raised in the Commons.

"We do not normally announce investigations but because this company is in administration I can tell the committee that officers from Company Investigations Branch have started an investigation under the Companies Act 1985," Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling told a select committee meeting.

I heard about Farepak when one of my customers called me having heard about this situation on the news Alison Berry Farepak: Your stories

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has stressed that the investigation should not be seen as a sign that fraud was to blame.

The government has the power to ask for any documents or records, and recommend that legal action is taken if the company has been involved in wrong-doing.

The investigation has not been set a deadline, but any decision is unlikely before Christmas, according to the DTI.

Meanwhile, Farepak's administrators have confirmed that cheques sent in after 4.30pm on Friday 13 October, when Farepak went into administration, are now being sent back to customers.

Retailers are also currently working on a package for the customers and agents affected by the company's liquidation.

Customers protesting at Farepak's headquarters in Swindon

The 'goodwill gesture' has been agreed in principle at a meeting between the Trade and Industry Minister, Ian McCartney, and the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

"This will not be a compensation package and members of the BRC are under no legal obligation to provide any help," Mr McCartney pointed out.

He added that the solidarity package is being planned in recognition of 'the exceptional circumstances surrounding Christmas'.

The BRC have refused to put a figure on the voluntary package, saying only that there has been "lots of activity" in trying to find a "viable workable scheme" to benefit all affected customers.

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It is recommended that all those affected keep an eye on the HITA and Farepak websites to check for any new information.

Concerned customers and agents can register a claim in the following ways.

Telephone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Address: Farepak Food & Gifts Limited - In Administration
Kings Wharf
20-30 Kings Road
Reading
RG1 3EX

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