Helpline Offers Consumer Advice To Residents

Consumer Direct is an initiative, which has been funded by the Department of Trade and Industry.  The helpline has been set up to give consumers access to expert, clear practical advice.

Trading Standards department throughout the country are joining the scheme and the helpline is the first port of call for consumer advice in Darlington.

It is hoped that by directing people to the North-East branch of the helpline, trading standards staff in Darlington will be able to give a better service by concentrating on meeting residents and dealing with more complex issues.

Consumer Direct provides a service from 8am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

The phone-line for the North is expected to take 90,000 calls a year.

Stephen Harker, Darlington Council’s Cabinet Member for Consumer and Environmental Services said: “People who ring Consumer Direct will be able to get advice when they need it.

“They can ask for help to deal with a variety of consumer issues and will also be given details of where they can get more information.

“It will be reassuring for residents to know they can easily get the best advice and information available to deal with everything from cowboy builders to getting a refund.

“Darlington’s trading standards team will continue to offer help on more complex issues and as always they will be available to meet people face-to-face.”

Consumer Direct can be contacted on 08454 040506. More information is available on-line (open new window).

For more information about Darlington Council's trading standards department.