Trading Standards hit prime time TV

Herefordshire Council’s Trading Standard’s successful battle to protect the rights of the County’s residents has been recognised on BBC1’s prime time consumer protection programme, ‘Watchdog’.

Mike Pigrem, Herefordshire Council’s Trading Standards Manager, appeared on last night’s Watchdog programme warning consumers about the activities of ‘Rogue Trader’ Keith Landry.

Keith Landry who runs Kington based Fir Tree Conservatories Ltd, has been taking 50-100% of the amount quoted to build customers a conservatory and then not carrying out the work to completion.

Herefordshire Council’s Trading Standards team began investigating complaints against Mr Landry from late 2005. They believe that of the cases they have investigated Mr Landry has defrauded consumers of at least £40,000.

“The Council’s Trading Standards team work hard to protect the rights of Herefordshire’s consumers against rogue traders,” said Mike Pigrem.

“I was happy to appear on Watchdog as national coverage is a great way of ensuring that no other consumers fall victim to Mr Landry.

“The programme helps raise awareness of the scams that can be pulled and increases consumers understanding of their rights.

“I’m pleased to say that on the March 2, 2006, Mr Landry signed an undertaking under the Enterprise Act 2002 that requires him to stop these unlawful and harmful trading practices

“Should he breach that undertaking we will seek an Enforcement Order and any subsequent breach would lead to proceedings for contempt of court which is punishable by a fine and or, up to two years imprisonment.

“Our team will be keeping a watchful eye on Mr Landry and Fir Tree Conservatories. We would therefore be grateful for details of any subsequent complaints following the signing of his undertaking ” he added.