CONSUMERS will be able to get off-the-shelf advice about their rights from their local libraries in a campaign being run by trading standards chiefs.

Advice leaflets have been made available in Wyre Forest's libraries for the campaign, which runs throughout this month and next.

Library computers can be used by members of the public to see letter templates for making complaints.

A range of tips recommended for complaining by Worcestershire County Council trading standards include only complaining when necessary and making sure complaints are justified.

Consumers should also stop using the items they are complaining about or they might lose the right to reject the goods if they continue to use them.

They should also keep their cool and not lose their tempers, swear or become personally abusive. Instead, they should be polite, insistent and explain everything concisely.

Alison Cornelius, advice and education manager with the county council, said: "Many of the calls we get are from people who want to resolve relatively straightforward issues.

"The problem arises because they are not sure of the best way to approach the shop or business in question.

"We have developed the range of templates to cover the most common problems, such as faulty goods, poorly provided services and unsatisfactory quality and each one can be adapted to the consumer's own needs."

Specific advice on consumer topics is available through trading standards on 01905 765373.

Its website and the template letters are at: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/tradingstandards.