Public Safety Services

Walsall Council Public Safety services are under the Neighbourhood Directorate and consist of the following departments:

1. Trading Standards 2. Environmental Health 3. Licensing 4. ASB Team

Trading Standards

The trading standards officers give advice, carry out inspections and do enforcements where necessary.

They routinely test weighing and measuring equipment in businesses to detect short weight or measure.

They make random test purchases to ensure products are labelled and priced accurately.

They investigate underage sales and enforce penalties upon those who are violating the law.

Thus ensuring a fair trading environment for consumers and traders

Consumer Advice

We have officers who specialise in consumer advice and provide a comprehensive and impartial advice to consumers and traders on civil law.

They give you initial first line advice and negotiate with traders on your behalf.

They can assist you through the small claims court If you have bought a product which appears to be faulty or had an

unsatisfactory service or repairs; they will be able to help.

Consumer advice are located at present in the Challenge Building on Hatherton Road, Walsall, WS1 1YB and are open from Monday to Thursday 8:45am to 5:15pm and Friday 8.45 pm – 4.45 pm.

Walsall TraderRegister

Walsall TraderRegister is a register of businesses in the Walsall area that was developed by Trading Standards. This is to help consumers find a reputable trader and avoid falling victim to rogue traders.

Traders who are registered in this scheme have agreed to abide by the code of conduct which includes:

1. Complying with the law 2. Deal with customers fairly and honestly. 3. Not to engage in high pressure sales techniques etc.

You can go on their website www.traderregister.org.uk or telephone 01922 652246 and they will do the search for you.

Environmental Health

Public Safety services Environmental Health department can deal with the following issues:

Food complaints

If you have a complaint about unsatisfactory food; for example it is bad, contains a foreign object or has been prepared unhygienically, an officer will investigate the matter.

The officer will determine the most appropriate course of action to take depending on the seriousness of the complaint, the evidence available and the nature of the business concerned.

Dog Warden Service

The dog warden has a number of main responsibilities, which include:

Seizure and return of stray dogs to owners and delivering of stray dogs to contracted kennels.

Enforcement of the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996. Undertaking schools presentations. Advising owners on dog training and behaviour.

Environmental Pollution

Environmental crime is a major issue in the borough and residents can play a huge part in catching the culprits. You can report to us if you see someone dumping waste, be discreet but try to remember some details like:

Location (area, street name, house number) Day, date and time Was a vehicle involved? (If so: make and type of vehicle, colour,

registration number, noticeable markings eg. telephone numbers)

Environmental Health are based at Challenge Building and can be contacted on 01922 652210.

Licensing

The Licensing Team are responsible for the process of license applications and also the enforcement of licensing legislation. Some of the main licences include:

Best Bar None Walsall 2010 Gambling Act 2005 Small Lotteries House to house collections Licensing Act 2003 Licensing enforcement Motor salvage operator - registration Scrap metal dealers - registration Street collections Street trading Taxi and private hire

Alongside the above the Licensing Enforcement team enforces various pieces of legislation relating to public safety.  These include:

The safe operation of taxis, including hackney carriages, private hire vehicles, their drivers and base operators

Compliance with the Licensing Act 2003 by premises who sell alcohol, provide regulated entertainment or who provide late night refreshments

Regulation of premises used for gambling under the Gambling Act 2005

Compliance of street traders with their licences Removal of unauthorised gypsy and traveller incursions on council land Certain highway obstructions, damage and danger on the highway

Walsall Councils Licensing department issue licenses for various things such as taxis, alcohol and event licenses etc. If you have any complaints or queries regarding the above, they are based at Challenge Building within the Trading Standards section and can be contacted on 01922 653583.

Anti-Social Behaviour Team

Public Safety services ASB team is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour in Walsall so that people, who live, work and visit our borough feel safe and those individuals who act anti socially understand that their actions will not be tolerated.

The ASB team will:

Listen to your concerns and inform you what the next step they will take.

Investigate your complaint fully and keep you updated as the investigation progresses

Work in partnership with other agencies and take appropriate action using the range of tools and powers available

They will provide information on actions taken to address ASB. Be accountable to you for the way they have dealt with your issue

The Anti Social Behaviour Unit at present is based at 191a Braodway, Delves, Walsall, WS1 3HP and can be contacted via email asb@walsall.gov.uk or Telephone: 01922 648291.