A NEW service to protect Swindon people from unscrupulous traders opens its doors in the New Year.

The council has set up a consumer support network with a £5,000 Department of Trade and Industry grant.

Council trading standards officers will join education and community colleagues in the Safer Swindon Shop to advise people from Monday, January 7.

The scheme is open to those who have problems with goods or services they have bought in Swindon.

They will be able to seek advice and information on their rights and how to resolve disputes with retailers and service providers.

The network, which includes the council, Citizens Advice Bureau, Law Centre and Legal Services Commission, is applying for a further grant of £10,000 to run the pilot consumer advice service for six months.

"Vulnerable members of society can be taken advantage of by unscrupulous and dishonest traders," said Robert Taylour, trading standards group leader.

"One of the main purposes of a consumer advice service is to reach out to those least able to protect themselves."

At no cost to the council tax payer, the six-month pilot scheme will be based in the Havelock Street shop which is already visited by 100 people a month.

Safer Swindon Shop manager Jean Goncalves said: "We're already providing a face-to-face advice service to the public on council and police services.

"Giving information on people's legal rights, whether they supply or buy goods and services, is a natural progression."

Coun Jemima Milton, lead member for transport and the environment, said: "This scheme will be valuable both to the people of Swindon and the over-stretched Citizens Advice Bureau, Age Concern and the Law Centre, all of whom have reported a large increase in demand for consumer services."

If the pilot scheme is successful, future advice services could be provided by a mixture of council, private and voluntary organisations.