Badby Village

Northamptonshire County Council Trading Standards is advising people affected by the impact of storms Ciara and Dennis to be alert for bogus cold callers offering home repair work.

Trading Standards is warning homeowners that rogue traders could use the damage caused by the storms as a way of persuading people that they need work done on their property.

Their advice is not to buy goods or services from a doorstep caller, even if they claim that the work needs doing immediately.

Those who have suffered damage as a result of the storms should first check with their insurance company to see if they are covered for repairs, as some policies include emergency assistance support.

People who rent their property should contact their landlord and their contents insurance company. Most insurance companies will appoint their own trades people to carry out the work.

For those who are not covered by insurance for any repairs, they can find a reliable trader through the Trading Standards approved trader scheme called Buy With Confidence.

County Council Cabinet Member for Place, Highways and the Environment, Cllr Jason Smithers said: “While we haven’t received any direct reports, we are encouraging homeowners to be on their guard against less reputable traders who may take advantage of any damage caused by these storms and try to convince homeowners to pay for unnecessary or over-priced repair work.

“If people are concerned about a caller at the door or suspect that rogue doorstep traders or distraction burglars are operating in their community, they should contact the dedicated Doorstep crime Action Network (DAN) by calling 0345 23 07 702.”

For more information about Buy With Confidence, the Trading Standards approved trader scheme, visit http://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/approvedtraders or telephone 01392 383430.

Trading Standards in partnership with Northamptonshire Police can also provide No Cold Calling stickers on request by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133. They can also provide consumers with information about their legal civil rights.

Message from:
Susan Fletcher (Police, Crime Prevention Officer, Northamptonshire)

Volunteers are needed to join the Northamptonshire Independent Visitor service and become friends and mentors to more children and young people in care.

An Independent Visitor (IV) is a fully checked volunteer who is paired with a child or young person in care. They go out on social visits, share hobbies and interests and maybe even try new activities. They act as a friend and mentor and aim to build helpful and positive long-term relationships.

There are currently 50 children and young people in the county currently being supported by an Independent Visitor and a campaign ‘Could it be you?’ is now being launched to double this figure to 100.

Northamptonshire County Council cabinet member for children, families and education Councillor Fiona Baker said: “Independent visitors visit young people at least once a month to enjoy fun activities together and help to provide support and consistency in their lives where possibly there has been none before.

“All of our Independent Visitors are fully checked, plus they receive training and expenses for activities and travel. You can come from any background and there is no upper age limit, the most important thing is that you are reliable and committed to regularly spending time with the child or young person.

“This can be such a rewarding role. Independent Visitors become friends and mentors, and a consistent person the young person can confide in and talk things through with. Could it be you?”

People interested in finding out more can visit http://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/independentvisitor. There are also drop in sessions on the first Tuesday of every month between 10.30am and 2pm at One Angel Square.

Ends

The Youth Commission has been set up by the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner to ensure that the views of young people are heard, and help change services for the better.

My role is to recruit up to 30 young people from across Northamptonshire to form the 2020 Youth Commission. In addition to those young people who might ordinarily apply, I am eager to encourage young people to apply whose voices might struggle sometimes to be heard. I am also keen to engage with young people who have already had experience of the criminal justice system. And of course I want to make sure we have young people involved from right across Northamptonshire.

You can check out information about the commission at http://www.northantspfcc.org.uk/opfcc-youth-commission/
where you will find an information sheet that can be downloaded, and an online application form for young people to complete.

Dale Willis
Youth Commission
Office of the Northamptonshire Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner
Telephone 101 extension 346532 or 03000 111 222 (if out of county) Mob: 0797 602 1611
Address East House, FHQ, Wootton Hall, Northampton, NN4 0JQ

E-mail Dale.willis@northantspfcc.pnn.gov.uk
Web http://www.northantspfcc.org.uk
Twitter @northantspfcc