Builder found guilty by court

A BUILDER has been fined £4,000 for not telling two elderly customers they could legally cancel their contract in a seven-day cooling off period.

The elderly pair, of Howard Street, Worthing, had agreed a contract with Albert Brazil for him to carry out building work to their property. Brazil then failed to give them documents informing them of their rights.

The builder, of Fullers Walk, Littlehampton, traded as First Class Property Maintenance. He was convicted by Worthing magistrates court after a case was brought by West Sussex Trading Standards.

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Brazil, who did not attend court, was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay £1,934 prosecution costs plus a victim surcharge of £400.

Trading Standards Officers responded to a call from a worried neighbour.

“We would always advise customers to get proper written quotations before work is carried out, and not to agree anything on the doorstep,” said Lionel Barnard, County Council cabinet member responsible for the Trading Standards service.

“If you do agree, and the work is more than £35, you should ensure you are given a written notice of cancellation. Our Trading Standards team won’t hesitate to take action against traders who don’t meet their obligations.”

Contact Trading Standards via Citizens Advice on 08454 04 05 06 to report a concern.

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