'Don't sign' warning over hard-sell firm

Blackburn with Darwen Council today revealed it was investigating a complaint that the damp-proofing company, which it has not named, amid claims it was breaking the law.

The council's trading standards department believes the firm is offering services without supplying the statutory cancellation rights which come with buying services from cold callers -- who ring homes randomly to make appointments -- or door-to-door salesmen.

By law, people are entitled to a seven-day cooling-off period for goods bought at home.

Written agreements should also be given detailing consumer rights.

A spokesman for the council said: "The Trading Standards team is currently investigating a complaint about a damp-proofing company that failed to provide a written document."

Firms which sell double-glazing, damp-proofing, loft insulation and other door-to-door products should all adhere to the law, the spokesman said.

Coun Maureen Bateson, executive member for citizens' rights and consumer affairs, said: "If someone calls at your home to sell you goods or services, insist on seeing the cancellation rights before you sign anything.

"The regulations also apply to cold callers who make an appointment to visit your home.

"If someone tries to sell you goods at home and won't give written cancellation rights, don't sign."

She added that, in most cases, people would be advised to shop around before committing themselves to large sums of money on major items. A spokesman for Lancashire County Council's trading standards department urged people across East Lancashire to think before they buy.

He said: "Many cold-callers specialise in the hard-sell, which is why it is important that people have to hand all the information relating to cooling-off periods.

"Anyone who feels they have been approached by a company not sticking to the rules should contact us."

In Blackburn with Darwen, the number for concerned people to ring is 01254 585904. Elsewhere in Lancashire, 01772 265368.