For the first time, Council Trading Standards Officers have used new enforcement powers to bring a local trader into line. Eastbourne County Court recently made an Enforcement Order against Darren Jackson, who trades as Unique Driveways and has also been associated with another business called Clean Machine Property Preservation Ltd.
The legal move follows numerous complaints made against Jackson and his Unique Driveways business, mainly from elderly residents in the Eastbourne and Bexhill areas.
Jackson had failed to co-operate with Trading Standards and had refused to sign a formal written agreement to stop the problem behaviour. The Enforcement Order directs Jackson to comply with the law on cold calling and also requires that he doesn’t breach contracts, mislead or harass his customers. If he doesn’t comply with the Order, then he could face further court action and possible imprisonment.
Councillor Bob Tidy, Lead Member for Community Services, said: "I am very pleased that we have these new powers in our ongoing battle with traders who flout the law. It is extremely important that the rights of consumers are protected, especially elderly and vulnerable people across the county.
"All that we are asking is that traders comply with the law and treat their customers fairly. Our Trading Standards Officers have these new powers under the Enterprise Act and intend to use them against the minority of traders who prey on the vulnerable and refuse to stop causing misery to their customers.
"The vast majority of traders in the home improvements business are honest and are as fed up as we are with the minority who flout the law and give everyone a bad name.”
Eastbourne County Court also had another application for an Enforcement Order against a local Eastbourne gardener, William Chapman trading as W Barker. The application was adjourned before the hearing however, as Mr Chapman agreed to sign a formal agreement to comply with consumer protection law. Trading Standards will continue to monitor Mr Chapman’s activities to ensure he complies with the agreement.
Reference:
759
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