Alert over Derbyshire fish sellers

Following a number of complaints from residents, Derbyshire County Council’s trading standards team is urging people to watch out for unfamiliar traders trying to make a quick profit.

The door-to-door sellers often target elderly or more vulnerable residents, convincing them to part with large sums of money for fish which is unlabelled, mislabelled, out-of-date or previously frozen.

Householders are also led to believe they are only buying a few pieces of fish but are then presented with much larger quantities and pressured into taking them, often handing over more than £100.

One customer thought she was buying a couple of fish for £10 but was forced to pay a bill for £176 and was ignored when she told the rogue trader it was far too much.

Councillor Dave Allen, the council’s cabinet member for health and communities, said: “Although there are some legitimate doorstep fish sellers out there, we advise residents to be cautious if approached by any unfamiliar traders.

“If you have any doubts at all, don’t buy from them. Instead buy from your local shop or supermarket or mobile fish sellers who regularly visit your area.

“And we’d like to make it perfectly clear to rogue traders − if you’re caught selling produce which is below legal standards or not as originally described, we will prosecute.”

Residents who would like advice or who want to report a rogue trader can call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.