People urged to attend OFT public meeting

People are being urged to attend a public meeting in Lerwick tomorrow [Thursday] to give their views on prices charged in the isles for goods and services.

The event at Islesburgh Community Centre is being staged by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), which is exploring the difficulties people face while shopping in places like Shetland.

Isles MP Alistair Carmichael today urged people to attend the meeting, which starts at 6pm. He said: “This is a great opportunity for people in the isles to ensure that representatives of the OFT are aware of some of the problems that face communities in areas such Orkney and Shetland.

“I said at the time this consultation was launched that it was a chance that is too good to miss. This is a real chance for people to get their views on fuel, postal charges and other issues on the record and press the OFT to take action. I would encourage as many people as are able to attend the meeting in Lerwick tomorrow.”

The OFT launched a call for evidence last month and its remote communities consultation closes in April. The Lerwick meeting is one of a series around the country. Anyone unable to attend can submit their views online at www.oft.gov.uk/OFTwork/consultations/remote-communities/.