ONE in three of Somerset's electricals retailers fail to comply with laws obliging them to display information on product running costs and energy consumption, it was claimed this week.

In a recent investigation, Somerset trading standards found only two-thirds of businesses in the county selling appliances such as fridges, freezers, tumble dryers, washing machines, washer dryers and dishwashers displayed the details.

The law - which also applies to new car dealers - is to allow customers to make comparisons.

Verity Cole, from the county's trading standards, said: "It was encouraging to find almost all the new car dealers visited were correctly displaying energy labelling information.

"However, only two-thirds of electrical retailers were complying with the law.

"Traders who were not correctly displaying energy information have been advised of their legal duties."

SOMERSET trading standards is offering tips on how to avoid ending up with botched home im-provements by 'cowboy' builders.

The county council department has produced Ten Steps to Success in partnership with the five district authorities in Somerset.

Copies of the leaflet are available from district council planning offices, libraries, council information points, Citizens Advice Bureaux and trading standards officers, or at www.somerset.gov.uk/protect/sections/fairtrading.

Help on locating a QualityMark contractor is available at www.qualitymark.org.uk or by ringing 0845-3008040.