‘Time for prosecutions’ call on
low-sightline row
31st October 2017

The row over low-sightline IGUs has this week escalated with one of the chief protagonists calling for prosecutions to be brought against companies using them.

The call, from Saveheat director Colin Torley, comes after the group’s local MP Ronnie Cowan tabled a question in the Commons asking what the DCLG was prepared to do to ensure compliance of all low-sightline, narrow-cavity units.

When Housing Minister Alok Sharma replied that all such action would be in the hands of local trading standards bodies, Colin replied, on behalf of Saveheat group member Blairs Timber Windows, with another open letter (read here) calling not only for charges to be brought against breach of Construction Product Regulations but also a public inquiry into why authorities have taken no action so far.

“We have written to Government asking for details of who we contact to report the failure of Trading Standards to enforce the Construction Products Regulations,” he wrote in his letter.

“…all they need to do is Google ‘low sight line double glazing’ where they will find a list of companies who are openly placing non-compliant products on the market by offering them for sale. …Surely all that Trading Standards Officers have to do is go round and charge them.”

He concludes: “It’s time for our Industry and Trading Standards to stand up and do something about it; we certainly are but we need more support. We would encourage all companies who also have this problem to take it up with their local trading standards and keep the pressure on.”