TRADING Standards have launched a new hotline this week to help people in Buckinghamshire fight back against bogus builders and faulty goods.

The new service, called Consumer Direct South East, will offer free advice to consumers on a range of issues, be it a pair of shoes falling apart, a new sofa ripping or an excessive building repair bill.

Zannah Bell, from Consumer Direct South East, said: "We get lots of calls from people in the Wycombe area who have problems with builders not fulfilling their jobs or charging too much. This service aims to help this kind of person and give them the advice to move forward. We get lots of positive outcomes and encourage people to report their complaints."

Callers will then be connected to professionally trained advisors at the Contact Centre in Maidstone who have undergone intensive training to be able to deal with all manner of enquiries.

Working in partnership with local Trading Standards, Citizens Advice, and other Consumer Support Network members, the service is funded by the Department of Trade and Industry.

Margaret Dewar, portfolio holder for Community Services at Buckinghamshire County Council, said: "Consumer Direct is about helping people to help themselves by informing them of the possible pitfalls they face in buying goods and services and, importantly, making sure they know their rights."

Open six days a week, the Consumer Direct South East is available to anyone who calls 08454 040506