Neighbourhood Watch is giving advice to residents about doorstep callers known as 'duster sellers'.
 

Hopefully the following will clear the law up as to what they can and cannot do.

'Duster sellers' in legal jargon are pedlars and as such, by law, require a pedlar's certificate. The certificate is issued by the police and is valid for 1 year. In order to obtain a pedlars certificate the applicant has to fulfil certain criteria, which I wont go into here.

The main definition of a pedlar states that he/she must be offering for sale goods to be immediately delivered i.e. dusters, tea towels etc. The pedlar cannot sell goods for delivery in the future.

The following persons are entitled to demand presentation of a pedlars certificate:
· Any justice of the Peace
· Any constable or police officer
· Any person to whom such pedlar offers his goods for sale
· Any person in whose private grounds or premises such pedlar is found

And any pedlar who refuses, on demand, to show his certificate to, and allow it to be read and a copy thereof to be taken by, any of the persons hereby authorised to demand it, shall for each offence be liable to a penalty.

In respect of cold callers offering to carry out work at your property please bear in mind Trading Standards 'Buy With Confidence' scheme which provides a list of trades who have been checked and approved by Trading Standards. The full list is available at www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

Remember - if the price of the work is £35 or more, you are entitled to a cooling off period of 7 days. The trader must give you a written notice giving you details of the right to cancel. If you are not given a written cancellation notice report the trader to Trading Standards on 08454 040506.

Trading Standards have made available an advice pack, which contains leaflets explaining your rights, and it is available at: www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/kent/advicepack

© Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2010