Tradesman fined after making misleading claims

A tradesman has been fined by Bury magistrates after making false claims to be a registered contractor.

Bury’s trading standards team brought the prosecution against Robin Stephenson, who traded as Abate Property Preservation, following a complaint by a Bury resident in relation to work Abate carried out in September 2013.

Abate’s paperwork showed that Stephenson was claiming to be a member of the FENSA (Fenestration Self Assessment Scheme) Registration Scheme, which was untrue.

Stephenson (aged 48), of Edilom Road, Crumpsall pleaded guilty at Bury Magistrates Court on 16 June 2015. He was fined £800 and ordered to pay £250 costs and a victim surcharge of £80.

Andrew Johnson, head of trading standards and licensing at Bury Council, said: “I am pleased that trading standards secured a conviction. This should act as a warning to rogue traders that unfair trading practices will not be tolerated. “

Trading standards advise residents to always verify claims of trade association membership that is made by traders, directly with the trade association.

Residents who believe that a trader is falsely claiming membership of a trade association should report it to Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 040 506 for investigation by trading standards.

ENDS

Press release issued: 23 June 2015.