RESIDENTS in Darlington can benefit from a new hotline designed to provide clear and concise consumer advice.

Darlington Borough Council's trading standards department has joined Consumer Direct, an initiative funded by the Department of Trade and Industry.

The helpline, designed to become the first port of call for consumer advice, became active on Monday, March 6.

Consumer Direct provides a service from 8am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

The helpline for the North is expected to take 90,000 calls a year.

Stephen Harker, council cabinet member for consumer and environmental services, said: "People who ring Consumer Direct will be able to get advice when they need it.

"They can ask for help to deal with a variety of consumer issues and will also be given details of where they can get more information.

"It will be reassuring for residents to know they can easily get the best advice and information available to deal with everything from cowboy builders to getting a refund.

"Darlington's trading standards team will continue to offer help on more complex issues, and as always they will be available to meet people face-to-face."

Consumer Direct can be contacted on 08454 040506 or at www.consumerdirect. gov.uk