PROBLEMS with second hand cars and home improvements are the top two most common consumer complaints made to Essex Trading Standards.

Experts have released the top 10 issues residents most frequently sought advice about in the last year and the list includes furniture, large domestic appliances, glazing installation, food and drink, clothing, car servicing, professional services and personal computers.

Essex County Council lead member for Trading Standards, Cllr Roger Walters, said: “The team receives thousands of calls about second hand cars each year and there are a number of simple checks you can make to avoid a bad experience.

“These include checking the car’s value online, viewing it in daylight with a family member and taking the car for a test drive.

“Another key priority for us is home maintenance and improvements, which covers the issue of rogue and doorstep traders.

“We advise never to agree to any work from a trader who knocks on the door and to check any leaflets through the door as these can contain false addresses, and pay as you go telephone numbers that cannot be traced.”

A campaign preventing elderly people becoming victims of rogue traders, Be Sure at the Door, was launched by Essex County Council, Essex Police and Age UK Essex earlier this year.

If you need advice and guidance on any consumer issue call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506.

THE TOP 10

  1. Second hand cars
  2. Home maintenance and improvements
  3. Furniture
  4. Large domestic appliances
  5. Glazing products and installations
  6. Food and drink
  7. Clothing
  8. Car repairs and servicing
  9. Professional services
  10. Personal computers, accessories and software