Crackdown on rogue doorstep trade

A council is launching a crackdown on rogue doorstep traders.

West Berkshire Council claims the Thames Valley is high on unscrupulous traders' lists as it is an "affluent area with easy motorway access".

It is now working with local authority trading standards services in an attempt to tackle the problem.

Figures from the Office of Fair Trading have shown that goods and services worth at least £2.4bn are sold 'on the doorstep' every year.

Criminal offence

Principal trading standards officer Theresa Bashford said: "It is important to remember that many doorstep traders are legitimate and it can be a convenient form of shopping and a time-saver for busy people.

"Sadly to some it can also be an excuse for shoddy workmanship, overpriced goods or, worse still, distraction burglary."

Unsolicited visitors are required by law to make consumers aware of their right to cancel. Failure to do so may be a criminal offence.

When the price of the goods or services offered exceed £35 the customer is entitled to a seven-day 'cooling-off' period.