Trader 'up to his old tricks'

Solar glass panels

A trader who was forced by Rochdale Council to make a legal promise to stop trading illegally, and make refunds where requested by customers, is again causing concern to customers.

John Hallisey, previously of Simply Solar now of SPWEC, is said to be “up to his old tricks again” by a customer in Chester who ordered a solar hot water system from SPWEC after seeing a advert in the BBC Focus magazine.

Grahame Polley of Chester said: “I have, perhaps foolishly, paid the whole amount i.e. £1500 with a promised delivery date of the 3 August. This date has come and gone and there is no sign of the goods. What is more worrying is that the company telephone number only goes to an answer machine. I emailed Mr Hallisey and I know he has opened the email but so far there hasn't been any response.”

Simple Solar operated from Castleton and advertised in popular broadsheet newspapers such as The Guardian and The Independent, offering to supply and install solar panel systems. In good faith, customers paid deposits up front of between £500 and £1500, but then the company did not deliver the goods.

The Council investigated 30 complaints received over a six month period from customers up and down the country. It was decided that enough evidence had been collated to start legal proceedings against Simple Solar Ltd and its Director, Mr John Hallisey.

It was the first time the council had taken formal action under the Enterprise Act against a trader.