ROGUE traders could soon find themselves slapped with Asbos. The controversial orders look set to become Trading Standards' latest weapon in their war on callous conmen.

Every authority in the country has been given an `Asbo toolkit' after a successful trial of the orders was carried out by trading standards officials in the south east.

They show how to create a `watertight' application for an Asbo and have been created by influential local government advisors.

The wide-ranging orders could see offending traders such as rogue door-to-door salesmen banished from certain estates where they have caused a menace. And those who prey on the elderly could be banned from visiting sheltered accommodation.

Trading Standards officials have been able to use Asbos since they were introduced, but instances have been rare. With the release of the toolkits, welcomed by councils across the region, there could be a huge rise in the orders issued.

Targeted

Tony Allen, chief of Oldham Trading Standards, said: "They are targeted at Trading Standards officers and should prove valuable in showing them how to successfully obtain an Asbo.

"Asbos themselves could be very useful. Rather than just prosecuting and fining someone, leaving them free to repeat offend, special conditions can be added into an Asbo which can stop offenders from doing the same thing again. We will definitely be looking at issuing them if need be."

Bury council Trading Standards officer Angela Lomax said: "Bury has not given Asbos to rogue traders but is equipped and prepared to do so."

Wigan council added that their Trading Standards department had also never issued an Asbo but said they would now look at considering them, as did Trafford. Spokesmen for Bolton, Salford and Tameside councils described the toolkit as `a welcome addition'.

Over in Stockport it was given another thumbs-up. A council spokesman said: "We are confident that it will prove to be a very useful guide."

At Rochdale, chief Trading Standards officer Andy Glover said the council fully supported the idea, adding: "We hope that its implementation will send a strong message to rogue traders in the region - they won't be tolerated."

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