'Danger' Sofas Offered
For Sale |
17 Oct 2005 |
Trading Standards officers in South Tyneside have warned
residents in the Borough to be on their guard against
people knocking on doors and offering sofas and other
furniture for sale.
The danger is that this type of upholstered furniture
will not comply with UK safety requirements and anyone
using it runs the risk of being seriously injured, or
even killed, in a fire or other accident.
Councillor Michael Clare, Lead Member Neighbourhood
Services, said: "People might be tempted to buy
goods like this because of their low cost but you can't
put a price on someone's life.
"Furniture offered door to door by traders calling
'on spec' is extremely unlikely to meet the stringent
safety conditions regulating such goods in this country.
It might be cheap, but you could end up paying a very
high price for your so-called bargain. The moral is,
if it seems too good to be true, it probably is."
This latest warning has been sent by text message to
those residents who have signed up to the Trading Standards
text message alert scheme.
Urging more people to get involved, Councillor Clare
explained: "If you are an elderly resident of South
Tyneside, or a carer of an elderly or vulnerable individual,
text the word 'doorstep' to 07786 200 802. We will text
you with warnings of rogue traders or doorstep scams
that we become aware of in the area."
South Tyneside residents who do not own, or have access
to, a mobile phone can still report their concerns about
environmental issues by calling the Council's contact
centre, on 427 7000 from Monday to Friday between 8am
and 8pm and between 9am and 1pm on Saturday. Alternatively,
they can use the e-services section of the Council website
at www.southtyneside.info or by e-mail to: customerhelp@southtyneside.gov.uk
| 
