Trading Standards convict Littlehampton builder

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

They 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, Worthing Magistrates’ Court heard.

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The builder, of Fullers Walk, traded as First Class Property Maintenance.

He was convicted after a case was brought by West Sussex Trading Standards.

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 had responded to a call from a neighbour alerting them to work being carried out by Brazil at the two elderly and vulnerable victims’ home at Howard Street in Worthing.

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Lionel Barnard, County Council cabinet member responsible for Trading Standards, said: “We would always advise customers to get proper written quotations before work is carried out, and not to agree anything on the doorstep. If you do agree, and the work is more than £35, you should ensure you are given a written notice of cancellation.”

Those who have concerns or need advice should contact Trading Standards via Citizens Advice on 08454 04 05 06.

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