THE FIGHT against cowboy companies ripping off consumers took another step forward as another ten traders won Hampshire County Council Trading Standards' seal of approval.

Consumers now have a wider choice of reliable traders than ever before after cycle hire, oven cleaners and pest control businesses secured the 'Buy with Confidence' approved trader status.

The scheme, which is currently the largest of its kind in the country with nearly 500 local businesses joining since its launch in 1999, aims to give consumers peace of mind when choosing a company.

The ten newly approved firms received membership certificates at a presentation Ferneham Hall in Fareham.

All 'Buy with Confidence' members are independently checked by the County Council's Trading Standards Service for trustworthiness, high levels of customer service and compliance with the law.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber, said: "Many of us feel daunted when looking for someone reliable to carry out a specific job, which isn't surprising when you consider Trading Standards receives over 20,000 consumer complaints every year.

"We introduced the 'Buy with Confidence' scheme to give consumers peace of mind and to promote reliable firms. The scheme has a wide range of local businesses as members - giving Hampshire residents a good choice of reliable companies whatever goods or services they need."

A full list of approved businesses and further details about the scheme can be found at www.buywithconfidence.info or by contacting Trading Standards on lo-call rate number 0845 6030081.

n The new Buy With Confidence traders are: Burgundy Catering, Eastleigh; W Churches & Son Ltd, Winchester; Night Night Pests, Basingstoke; Cookerburra Oven Cleaning Service, Nursling and Hedge End; Nexus Network, Fareham; Adversys Ltd, Alton; Colorflair Blindmakers Ltd, Lee-on-the-Solent; Classicfire, North Baddesley; Sandy Balls Cycle Centre, Godshill.