A SPECIAL leaflet has been produced by trading standards officers in North Yorkshire urging homeowners not to rush into signing new contracts to change their gas suppliers.

They are especially warning people not to be tempted by 'pushy' door-to-door salesmen with deals which sound too good to be true.

From the end of February customers will be able to choose who supplies their gas and indeed many householders within the county will have already received information concerning this.

Some of the key points householders should consider are:

* Is it worth while to switch suppliers?* Is the price quoted an introductory offer only?* How long is the contract?

Gordon Gresty, head of trading standards and regulatory services said: "People should consider the advantages and disadvantages of changing supplier in the light of experiences of consumers in areas already subject to the de-regulation process.

"There have already been a number of complaints about over-zealous salesmen giving misleading or deliberately inaccurate information."

Trading Standards officers also make it clear that even if an agreement is signed then for any services costing more than £35 there is always a 'cooling off' period. The leaflets are available from libraries across North Yorkshire as well as Citizens Advice Bureaux or alternatively contact the Trading Standards advice service on 01609 780780.

* The Evening Press is giving readers the chance to make savings on their gas bills. Stringent checks have been made to ensure that the offer is a fair one.

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