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'Jerry Springer' lookalike leaves customers cold
TRADING Standards are warning that a man described as a 'Jerry Springer lookalike' has been attempting to sell intercom systems to elderly residents in the Culcheth area, while claiming to be working for Warrington Borough Council.
The man approached residents and offered to sell the intercom to eligible buyers, i.e. those over the age of 60, for a reduced rate of £39, compared to around £89, which they would charge normally.
The salesman is leading a group of men in the area trying to persuade people to buy the product, which has no connection with the Council whatsoever. The man was working as part of a team and although he did have an ID badge it was crunched up and he refused to let consumers have a proper look at it. At the time he was using a grey Daewoo car, but may use other vehicles. The company responsible is known to Trading Standards and is operating in the North West. Trading Standards warn that they are not connected to any section of the Council or the Police.
Consumers are warned -
* Do not give work to anyone who knocks on your door and tells you that you have a problem.
* Do not agree to any work if you did not already intend to have the job done anyway.
* Get more than one quote, in writing.
* Use traders recommended to you by family or friends.
* Make sure you have full details of the trader including name, address, and landline telephone number.
* Ignore special discounts for signing on the day.
* Do not sign up on the spur of the moment.
* Discuss the work with family or friends.
* Get a receipt detailing the work done.
Cllr Mike Hannon, Executive Board Member for Community and Wellbeing, said:- "We are particularly concerned that these salesmen are targeting vulnerable people in our community using the trusted reputation of Warrington Borough Council.
The best advice we can offer is to avoid buying products from the 'doorstep' and, if in doubt, contact Trading Standards for further help and information."
Edwina Greenwood, Principal Trading Standards Officer for Warrington Borough Council, said:-
"We advise the people of Warrington that any person claiming to be working on behalf of the Council would be able to show genuine identification and offer contact details. They would not be selling products from door-to-door.
Whilst we would recommend that consumers do consider fitting security products we do not recommend that the contract with traders who cold call. If you would like information on security products contact the Police Community Safety Team on 01244 613862."
For further information contact Edwina Greenwood on 01925 442673.
Warrington Children's Information Service get prestigious award.
THE team, who are part of Warrington Borough Council's Sure Start Partnership, underwent rigorous scrutiny to prove that they are firmly committed to high standards of customer care and quality information giving. The knowledgeable and friendly staff help hundreds of callers every month to
find the right childcare for them, and can offer support to those who would like to start a career in childcare too.
Warrington is one of only six Children's Information Services in the country to have received the award so far. Notable among the qualities which impressed the Matrix assessment board was the fact that the underpinning ethos and values of the organisation are "lived and breathed" by staff, all of whom demonstrate a commitment to meeting the needs of the people they serve.
Sandra Jones, Information Officer with the service, said:- "We are delighted to have been accredited with the Matrix Quality Standard. Providing accurate, up to date information tailored to each individual's needs is key to the success of the Children's Information Service. Since we began in
August 2000, we've worked hard to establish the sort of service that's really relevant to parents and carers. Receiving the award demonstrates that we're offering a very high standard of service too. That's not to say we'll become complacent, we're committed to continuous improvement!"
Councillor Maureen Banner, Chair of the Sure Start Partnership, offered her congratulations to the team, adding
"Finding the right childcare for your child is one of the most daunting tasks many parents face. Thanks to the dedicated team at the Children's Information Service, Warrington parents canbe confident that they are receiving accurate information and impartial
advice when making such an important decision."
www.warrington.gov.uk/childcare
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Liverpool
remembers Holocaust
CHILDREN across
Liverpool have been given a first-hand account of the Holocaust thorough the eyes of a survivor. A special book Regina's Story has been sent to every secondary school in the city in preparation for Holocaust Memorial Day on Thursday 27 January. The book recounts the harrowing experiences of a Jewish girl who survived the horrors of Auschwitz.
And on the 14 January, the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Frank Roderick, and pupils from Broughton Hall High School will officially open the city's Holocaust Book of Commitment which lets people record their messages of remembrance.
Councillor Roderick said:- "It's wonderful to know that young people in Liverpool are being taught about the Holocaust. It's very important that future generations are aware of the atrocities that happened under the Nazi regime, and it's important that we continue to learn lessons that let us all respect and embrace diversity."
Liverpool City Council is urging thousands of people young and old to remember the victims of the Holocaust. For the second year running, people can log on to a special website to log their thoughts and feelings about the Holocaust and people can also sign a Book of Commitment in the foyer at Liverpool Town Hall. A lit candle will be kept next to the book as a symbol of hope.
Councillor Roderick added:-
"We want to make sure that it is as easy as possible for people to pay their respects for the victims of the Holocaust, and all those who have suffered from crimes against humanity.
Having an electronic Book of Commitment as well as a book in the Town Hall means that many more people will be able to log their thoughts and feelings."
Hundreds of people are expected to log on and show their commitment with access to over 240 computers throughout the city, via libraries and City Learning Centres. To access the online site, go to www.liverpool.gov.uk/holocaustmemorial.
This theme of this year's Holocaust Memorial Day is Survivors, Liberation and Rebuilding Lives.
The day marks the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the extermination and concentration camps. The day gives everyone the chance to show their respect for the survivors of Nazi persecution and mass murder, and to listen to what they can tell us about the best and the worst of human
behaviour.
Tanning salons found flouting vital safety rules
ALARMING research has revealed a number of solarium and sun-bed operators in Warrington are failing to adequately warn consumers of the risks of ultra-violet tanning equipment. An investigation carried out by Warrington Council Environmental Health Officers has revealed that many sun-bed operators are not complying with vital health and safety rules and are 'failing significantly' to minimise risks to customers. International studies warn that high level use of cosmetic tanning facilities and increasing exposure to ultra-violet radiation is raising serious concerns about future rises in cases of cancers, cataracts and premature ageing.
The indoor tanning business is booming in Warrington, as well as across the country, with high demand from people, particularly young women, seeking that bronzed look. Environmental Health Officers posed as customers at 42 of Warrington's private and public sector sun-bed or solarium premises as part of the study. They looked at how advice and information, on issues such as health risks and how to use the equipment safely, was given to them by staff. All of the operators visited failed to comply with the expected health and safety requirements. Over half of those visited scored only 33% of the level required as part of the survey.
Lack of basic cleanliness and protective goggles, poor or non-existent assessments of skin type and exposure times, the unsafe use of equipment and a lack of warning notices and staff training were some of the common failings of the Council-driven study, which is believed to be one of the first nationally undertaken from a customer perspective.
Cllr Mike Hannon, Warrington's Executive Member for Community and Well-being, said:- "It is very worrying that many of Warrington's solaria are failing to meet the standards they should. All operators of cosmetic tanning equipment have a duty to ensure they take all the steps necessary to minimise risks to their customers. The results of the survey and the significant failures found tell us that most operators are not doing this.
It is vital that the public is fully informed about the potential dangers."
Now the operators face a second 'formal' visit early this year to discuss the findings of their individual surveys and the improvements they need to make to meet the tough legal requirements of operating sun-beds or solaria.
Andrew Gilbert, Assistant Director for Environmental Health and Public Protection, said:- "Risks of skin cancer can depend on your skin type and the number of times it is exposed to ultra violet radiation. Sun-bed or solarium operators who do not identify those people who have the most vulnerable skin type and do not monitor the frequency people are using these facilities are failing in their duty to provide adequate health and safety measures.
Although a few operators were not visited as part of this survey, the scale of these results is extremely concerning. We would advise anyone considering using sun-tanning equipment to get advice on their skin type, including things such as moles and freckles and medical conditions, as these factors will affect health risks. If you are in any doubt, do not use the facilities."
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