Maidenhead & Windsor

Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough residents are being urged not to buy from doorstep fish traders selling poor quality and extortionately priced produce.

Windsor and Maidenhead Trading standards officers have received a number of complaints about door-to-door sellers working in the area, with one resident reporting that the trader used bullying tactics to demand £180 in return for fish he purchased.

Similar problems have been reported to other local councils, with one complainant being charged £500 for 38 packs of fish which had been purchased by the trader for between £1.50 and £2 each. Samples from other authorities have revealed that in some instances the variety of fish as stated by the seller has not been correct, in particular sea trout, wild salmon and monkfish.

Steve Johnson, trading standards manager, said: "We are urging residents to be extremely cautious if they are approached by any door-to-door traders they do not know.

"Unscrupulous salespeople often adopt high pressure selling techniques to sell overpriced produce from unrefrigerated vans and intimidate residents until they feel they have to pay to get rid of them. Our advice is not to enter into conversation with these people, simply tell them you are not interested, close the door and call trading standards on 01628 683802."

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead trading standards, highways, transport and environment, said: "If you have any concerns whatsoever about a trader who comes to your door, do not let them in. If you are in doubt, keep them out!

"If you want to buy fish, go to a fishmonger or supermarket where you can be sure of its quality. Or, buy from one of the well-known local fishmongers working from correctly fitted-out vans - and if you are in any doubt, ask for their business cards and to see their Royal Borough Street Trading Consent."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead