Hardline approach to buying

LONDONDERRY consumers are adopting a Watchdog-era Ann Robinson attitude on an increasing basis when it comes to complaining about products and services, a Council report has suggested.

The appraisal by Derry City Council's Chief Environmental Officer noted a general rise in the number of indignant citizens despite the fact that many are complaining when they don't know how to use an item properly and not when it is defective.

A report issued to councillors stated: "Officers working in the consumer protection field have noted a progressive change in consumers' attitudes.

"More and more complaints are being received and investigated in which it is apparent that the problem is due to inappropriate use and abuse rather than to design or constructional defects."

The observation was prompted following extensive media coverage of the recall in the US of a large number of baby buggies made by the British manufacturer Maclaren.

The recall was prompted because of a small number of cases in the US in which children's fingers were trapped in the folding mechanism when the buggy was being opened.

Maclaren acknowledged that since 1999 there had been 15 incidents involving nine different types of their buggy and 12 children had fingertips amputated as a result.