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Compensation
could be available to consumers in the North West after FSCS
declares 7 firms in default
THE Financial Services
Compensation Scheme (FSCS) could lend a helping hand to consumers
that have lost money due to their dealings with any of the 7 failed
financial firms in the North West of England that FSCS has recently
declared in default. FSCS protects customers of authorised financial
services firms. A declaration of default means FSCS is satisfied a
firm is unable to pay claims for compensation made against it, and
opens the way for customers of that firm to make a claim. FSCS is
free for individual consumers to use. The Scheme has already
started paying compensation in respect of the firms. Mark Oakes,
Head of Communications for FSCS says:- "FSCS protects
consumers around the UK when authorised financial services firms go
bust. We are appealing to anyone that believes that they may be owed
money as a result of their dealings with any of these firms. Please
get in touch with FSCS, as we may be able to help you."
Since its inception FSCS has come to the aid of more than 4.5m
people, paying out over £26bn in compensation. FSCS was set up by
Government in 2001 and is funded by the financial services industry.
The Scheme protects insurance, investments, deposits and mortgage
advice and arranging. There are limits to the amount of compensation
FSCS is able to pay. See our compensation limits page for more
details. The FSCS Initial Contact Team can be contacted on:- 0800
678 1100 or via calling:- 020 7741 4100. Further information about
FSCS is available on its
website.
Busy festive
trading brings good news for St Helens retailers
TILLS have been ringing up
increasingly good sales at St Helens Church Square Shopping Centre,
as shoppers stocked up for Christmas. Centre Manager Steven Brogan
is confident that stores will be clocking up a another successful
month of trading after consumers headed for Church Square for last
minute spending. "The footfall through the malls has been
increasing and we have been very busy. The last weekend before
Christmas is usually the busiest, and this year we oppened extra
days, with stores open on the Monday and Tuesday; as many offices
shut this year on Friday, which meant people have been in the
holiday mood, and finishing off their Christmas shopping sooner. But
we also know that the people of St Helens are cost conscious
shoppers when it comes to prices, so we also held back on purchases
in November and early December, to see what bargains they could get
in the final days before Christmas. Over the last few days, it was
really busy, so I've hardly had chance to talk to the store
managers. The slightly milder December weather certainly helped this
year; last year was the wettest on record for a couple of decades,
plus there was heavy rain in the run-up to Christmas. Now we're
ready for just as good New Year sales, that started on Boxing Day."
Did you know? Church Square Shopping Centre, built in 1973? |
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'Jingle
bells' help in the fight against Crime this Christmas
JINGLE bells are helping in
the fight against crime on busy streets and on public transport this
festive seasion.
5000 'purse bells' that can be attached to purses and
wallets to alert the owner when they are being tampered with, are
being given away by Police Officers and PCSO's throughout
Merseyside. Mobile phone cables are also available.
The initiative is a joint one between Merseytravel's TravelSafe
initiative, which works to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour
across the public transport network, British Transport Police and
Merseyside Police.
Councillor Mary Rasmussen, chair of Merseytravel's TravelSafe Board
said:- "While we are proud of our record for reducing crime
across the network, we can always do more. These are simple but
effective deterrents to thieves and also serve as a reminder to
people to keep their valuables safe."
Inspector Ken McVey, of British Transport Police, added:- "The
jingle bells are an excellent deterrent, but also alert passengers
and rail staff to potential criminal activity. We have already seen
their value this festive season when a woman travelling on a train
towards Liverpool was targeted by a thief. The woman, who was
travelling with her daughter, was sleeping on the train, but was
woken by the sound of the bells as someone tried to steal her bag.
BTP officers were subsequently called and a man was arrested."
Chief Inspector Gary O'Rourke said:- "Merseyside Police works
together with our TravelSafe partners, British Transport Police and
Merseytravel, to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour on the
public transport network. We continue to be innovative in our
approach and support this initiative to give members of the public
purse bells and phone security cables to help them keep their
property safe in the run up to New Year's Eve and beyond. Schemes
like this help to prevent crime within Merseyside, whilst at the
same time providing reassurance."
TravelSafe are offering the following safety advice:-
► Keep purses secure and carry wallets and
keys in an inside pocket.
► Zip up hand and shoulder bags and carry
them in front of you.
► Don't display valuables, keep them safe
and secure.
► Stay alert and aware of what is going on
around you when using a mobile phone in public.
► Keep a record of the unique number of
your mobile phone. To get this dial *#06#
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