Warwickshire News Mine

This followed an investigation and subsequent action taken by Warwickshire Trading Standards Service into complaints from across the country.

On Wednesday 25th November 2009, Mr Fernando Antonio Oliveira Carvalho De Freitas and Mrs Maria Marcela Fernandes Caroto Freitas, Directors of M&F Interiors Ltd, trading as Living Space, signed an undertaking at Coventry County Court.

A breach of this undertaking may result in Mr & Mrs Freitas appearing back before the Judge in contempt of court proceedings, which could result in the imposition of an unlimited fine and/or two years imprisonment. 

M&F Interiors Ltd, trading as Living Space, has undertaken not to engage in aggressive commercial practices by using harassment, coercion or undue influence to obtain payments from consumers or persuade consumers to enter into contracts or to persuade consumers to accept delivery of goods. 

They have agreed to not to engage in unfair commercial practices such as failing to supply cancellation rights or legal business documentation and not to supply false information relating to the payments required of consumers and the time of delivery of goods. 

Warwickshire Trading Standards Service would advise anyone with concerns or complaints about M&F Interiors Ltd, trading as Living Space, please contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 for further advice.

Warwickshire County Councillor Richard Hobbs, Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, said: “This is an excellent result against a company that has caused problems all over the country. The courts have made it clear to the Directors that a prison sentence could be the outcome of not adhering to this undertaking.

"Trading Standards Officers will be monitoring the company closely and I would encourage people to contact Consumer Direct if they have any cause for concern.”

In general terms Warwickshire Trading Standards Service would give the following advice on dealing with cold callers:
Don’t provide any personal or financial information to callers you don’t know and trust.

Do challenge caller’s claims – ask for their name and their company name and if you wish to speak to them, phone them back via a publicly listed telephone number.

Do put the phone down or shut the door if you don’t wish to speak to them.

Do register with the Telephone Preference Service on 0845 070 0707 if you wish to reduce the number of unwanted telephone sales calls you receive.

Do request a “No Cold Calling” door sticker from Warwickshire Trading Standards Service.

Do seek advice from your phone provider (e.g. BT) if the caller is persistent.

Do report any abusive, threatening, obscene, malicious or distressing calls to the police.

If you need repairs to your home contact Tradeline, a service aimed at anyone aged over 50.

The scheme can provide a list of local tradespeople who have been vetted to ensure a quality, value for money service and is run by Warwickshire Trading Standards Service Age Concern, PHILLIS and other partners.
Telephone: 08456 123 258 (Mon - Fri 8.00am - 6.00pm)

Link to WCC