An Inverness business supplying heating equipment has been found in contempt of a court order issued because of “shoddy workmanship”.
Inverness Fireplace and Heating Centre was issued with an enforcement order in November 2015 because of a high number of complaints received by Highland Council’s trading standards team.
The company, director Diane Urquhart and Michael Armour were found in breach of the order during a further appearance at Inverness Sheriff Court earlier this week.
The business is believed to have ceased trading.
Highland Council said its initial action against the business was prompted by a “very high number” of complaints about non-delivery and shoddy workmanship to the trading standards department.
The initial court order placed a condition that the business must improve their business practices by ensuring that future work would be undertaken with reasonable care and skill without excessive delay.
Trading Standards continued to monitor the company and received further complaints indicating that business practices had not improved
The fireplace company was then found in breach of the order during a follow-up appearance at the court.
Trading Standards manager David MacKenzie said: “We will work with businesses to ensure compliance and improve trading practices.
“However, we will not hesitate to take firm action against businesses that persistently treat consumers badly.”
The order was issued under the Enterprise Act of 2002.
An attempt by the council to put in place enhanced consumer measures which would offer greater enforcement of future business conduct was rejected by the court.
The business, which was formerly based in Tomnahurich Street, latterly operated out of a unit by the Caledonian Canal just off Telford Street.
The company was primarily involved in the supply and installation of home heating systems and stoves.
The former showroom, behind Crown Vets Canalside, is currently in the process of being renovated.
It is understood that it is being converted for future use as a cafe.
