Published: Friday, 19th June, 2009 12:00pm

Clothes charity warning

Comments (0) | Print | Email

HOUSEHOLDERS are being urged to be on their guard when donating unwanted clothing.

Royal Borough trading standards officers are warning people not to donate clothing to W&W Help Ltd, which has been leafleting properties across the borough, as the company was closed down in March for failing to submit accounts.

Cllr Phill Bicknell, lead member for public protection, said: 'Given that this company should not be trading we have to be highly suspicious about the claims being made on the leaflets which have been put through householders" doors.

'They are certainly not a charity and we would advise residents not to donate clothing or other items to anyone other than genuine charities.'

The company, which says it donates to Third World countries, has also distributed leaflets in Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire and Darlington.

Cllr Bicknell added: 'Collections by commercial operators are perfectly legitimate provided they adhere to company and consumer protection rules. W&W Help Limited are in breach of these.

'The problem with donating to organisations such as this is that the genuine charities don"t get the goods.'

However trading standards manager Steve Johnson is reassuring people that not all charity collection companies are con artists.

He said: 'Most of the charity collection companies are perfectly legitimate, and we do not want to discourage people from donating to such charities.'

Check whether charities are genuine by visiting www.charity-commission.gov.uk or call 01628 683802.