Trading Standards takes action

Warrington consumers have this week received additional protection from the courts. Warrington Borough Council’s Trading Standards team successfully used powers under the Enterprise Act to obtain an injunction against a Warrington business for persistent breaches of consumer laws.

Kamran Akram, trading as ‘The Phone Box’ based in Warrington market, disputed the claim but the court found in favour of the council and ordered him not to breach certain consumer laws. The court specifically ordered that:

• all goods sold by the Phone Box must be of satisfactory quality, reasonably fit for their purpose and not be mis-described
• the Phone Box should undertake repairs and other work with reasonable care and skill and within a reasonable time
• the price quoted is the price charged, i.e. customers should not be misled regarding the price of any goods or services.

Alongside the judgement, the court ordered Mr Akram to pay costs of £22,025.00.

Tommy Wallace, Head of Service (Housing Protection and Community), said: “Enterprise Act action is an effective way of dealing with traders who persistently abuse consumers’ rights.  Such behaviour will not be tolerated in Warrington and we will continue to take actions against rogue traders.”

“We will be monitoring Mr Akram’s business dealings and if the court order is breached, the matter will be reported to the court and could result in Mr Akram being held to be in contempt of court and may be sent to prison.”

Issued by:  Joanna Driscoll, Principal Communications Officer
Date:   Wednesday 26 March, 2008
Release: Immediate