Cambridgeshire Trading Standards

The Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has launched a website, where ordinary people can suggest how the Government can restore liberties that have been lost, comment on which unnecessary laws should be repealed, and suggest regulations on businesses that should be stripped away.

Mr Clegg describes it as ‘your chance to have your say’. He wants to know how you want the government to balance the rights of the citizen with the laws of the state. Make your views count!

You can submit ideas on the website and once your idea is up, other users of the site will be able to comment on it and to rate their favourite ideas. The government departments involved will respond to the most popular workable ideas.

This is a great opportunity to voice your opinions, and we would be grateful if you could promote this among Neighbourhood and Home Watch members in your area. Please encourage people to visit the Your Freedom website. http://yourfreedom.hmg.gov.uk/

Says No To Unwelcome Callers

Cambridgeshire Trading Standards is working with local residents to set up schemes designed to discourage unwelcome ‘coldcallers’ and potential ‘rogue traders’ from knocking on their doors. Distraction burglaries have been linked to unsolicited calls from visitors claiming to be selling goods or offering building or gardening services – in fact work by Cambridgeshire Police found that around half the victims of distraction burglaries had been visited by an uninvited salesperson in the previous three months.

A Trading Standards scheme called ‘No Cold Calling Zones’ was piloted in St Ives, followed by 60 further No Cold Calling Zones. Two zones currently exist in Melbourn and another due to be set up in August. Following consultation with local residents, the zones are established by erecting street signs discouraging cold-callers and putting signs in house windows which advise uninvited salespeople that local residents do not buy at the door. The signs are backed up by a support and advice service for local residents and advice on what to do if they spot cold callers operating in their area. Householders are also provided with an individual information pack.

Trading Standards suggests the ‘Does and Don’ts set out below. See page 57 for a We’re Not Buying IT! sticker.

Top Tips’ when a doorstep trader or other uninvited person comes to your home

DON’T

• Don’t believe all callers are genuine. • Don’t believe the ‘scare stories’ a salesman may tell you - they are rarely true. • Don’t believe genuine tarmac companies have loads over - they don’t! • Don’t sign anything or pay for anything until you are sure about it. • Don’t believe special deals, ‘today only’ - it’s high pressure selling. • Don’t allow strangers to have access to your property.

DO

• Do check the identity of the caller by asking to see an ID card. • Do challenge anyone looking over your property - did you give permission? • Do consider if you really need the work done. Think before you decide. • Shop around for the best deal. • Do ask the caller to leave you with information to study at your leisure. • Do remember you often have a short time to cancel a contract after cold call.

For further information on No Cold Calling Zones, contact Cambridgeshire Trading Standards on 0845 404 0506.

Meldreth Pre-School

Reg.Charity no.1034965

Village Hall Meldreth High Street

This friendly, non-profit making Pre-School now has spaces for September 2008.

We offer Morning, Lunch Club and Afternoon sessions to children between the ages of 2 and 5 years.

We offer a high staffing ratio, whilst maintaining competitive rates. £8.20 per session, £3.00 for Lunch Club

We accept Government Vouchers (which makes sessions for the over 3’s free)

For more information please Contact: Pre-School Leader, Jane Cable on 07952 295655 during Pre-School Hours (Mon/Tue 9-3, Wed/Thur/Fri 9-12.30) or telephone The Admissions Secretary, Yasmin Croxford on 01763 220246

Little Foxes

Baby & Toddler Group

Little Foxes is a friendly, fun, good value, baby & toddler group. The baby & toddler group provides a great opportunity to meet other mums and for the children to play together. It is run by mums & child carers for babies and children up to 5 years old. There are a baby area, dressing up clothes, trikes, trampolines, duplo, cars, dolls, etc. There are creative activities, song & story time and refreshments for the adults & children. Foxton Village Hall Hardman Road Foxton Tuesday (term time only) 09.30 – 11.00 £1.50 per session