BOLTON'S Consumer Advice Centre helped out a record number of people last year with problems ranging from clocked cars to counterfeit clothes.

The centre, in Ashburner Street, helped nearly 10,000 consumers, protecting them from unscrupulous traders and giving assistance in disputes.

The three most common complaints were about electrical appliances, home improvements and second hand cars. Three quarters of cases were resolved out of court, and all remaining cases at the small claims court were won.

Liam Kelly, Senior Trading Officer at the centre, said: "We are pleased that more and more people know that we can provide help and that they are getting our help.

"On the other hand, the fact that more and more people are needing our help is something which we would rather not see."

Mr Kelly said he was concerned about the "vast increase" in the number of complaints, rather than inquiries, received by staff.

"The reason for the increase is partly because consumers are becoming more aware of their rights and they are more assertive in enforcing them. But a large percentage of complaints are down to a small percentage of traders."

Staff at the centre advise people on products and assist with visits, letters, County Court cases and negotiations with traders. They "won" £50,000 in refunds, repairs or compensation from April 1996 to March 1997 as a result. The total redress for cases since 1992 stands at more £260,000.

In one successful case the centre saved a man with severe arthritis over £1,400. He had signed a credit agreement for hydrotherapy equipment which was unsuitable after a salesman persisted for two hours.

In another instance the centre retrieved nearly £500 for a couple who crashed their hire car in Greece.

Criminal offences, including counterfeit T-shirts, and offences against the Credit Act such as misleading credit advertisements, are other areas which kept the centre busy over past year.

But help is not limited to consumers alone - 145 Traders contacted the Advice Centre with complaints about their suppliers.

Cllr Peter Finch, chairman of Bolton's environment and consumer sub committee, said: "The centre provides a first class, impartial and free service to the people of Bolton."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.