If you are looking for help as a consumer or to give information about a Bournemouth based trader, contact Consumer Direct, the national consumer advice body.  They provide clear, practical, advice on a wide range of consumer issues. The advice given is free and you can call as many times as you need to.

Call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit their Consumer Direct website which has a facility for sending an email to get advice, find out your rights or make an enquiry.  The website also provides helpful template letters and advice leaflets.

Telephone calls are charged for via the 0845 number, which will cost no more than 4p per minute for BT customers (other networks vary).

The service operates from 08.00 - 18.30 Monday to Friday and from 09.00 - 13.00 on Saturday, excluding bank holidays.

Advisers are trained in all aspects of consumer rights and help people to take the best course of action when they have a consumer problem by giving legally correct advice. They do not intervene in consumer matters, such as taking action against a trader.  However where a criminal matter is identified they will pass the information to us, as your local Trading Standards Service, to investigate.