Be a bright spark if you are buying electrical items this Christmas!

David Hurst, Centre Manager for Consumer Direct West Midlands, said: "We recently had a call from a consumer who had bought a HD ready TV for £1,000, and the extended four-year warranty cost an additional £200.

Christmas Party or party pooper?

Christmas parties, themed meals and restaurant bookings offer people the promise of a great night of food, fun and entertainment - but what happens if something goes wrong, people drop out or you need to cancel?

Do you know your rights as a Christmas shopper?

Trainers, tracksuits, football kits and the latest fashions are often at the top of many Christmas wish lists, but do you know what your rights are if you have bought a gift and it is the wrong size, wrong style or the item is faulty?

Premise licence reviewed after under age sales

Herefordshire Council has reviewed the premise licence of McColls, The Oval, Hereford, after sales were made to under age persons on three separate occasions. The regulatory sub-committee at their meeting on Tuesday, November 4 decided to impose the following extra conditions on the licence:

Premise licence reviewed after under age sales

Herefordshire Council has reviewed the premise licence of the Somerfield store in Dishley Street, Leominster, after sales were made to under age persons on two separate occasions.

Premise licence reviewed after under age sales

Herefordshire Council has reviewed the premise licence of Stokes Stores, Hoarwithy Road, Putson, after sales were made to under age persons on three separate occasions. The regulatory sub-committee at their meeting on Tuesday, November 4 decided to suspend the store's licence for one day.

Warning on imported cosmetic products

The warning comes after a project carried out by the Central England Trading Standards Authorities Partnership (CEnTSA) found that half of the 24 imported cosmetic products tested failed the Cosmetic Products Safety Regulations 2004.

Christmas ruined by dodgy goods and services?

If your past Christmases have been ruined by the turkey not turning up on time, the must-have gadget that's dead on arrival, or the jumper that's four sizes too big, Consumer Direct would like to hear from you.

Warning after potential death trap sold on auction sites

Herefordshire Council's trading standards department is warning county residents to be careful about buying motor vehicles on internet auction sites.

Leominster man convicted of DVD counterfeiting offences

He appeared at Hereford Magistrates Court on Friday, October 10, where he was given a two year conditional discharge and ordered to forfeit the goods and equipment used in his counterfeiting operation which involved making and distribution illegal copies of DVDs.