RESIDENTS planning to donate unwanted clothes to be sent to impoverished countries have been warned they could be sold on – not donated for free.The warning from Trading Standards comes after leaflets asking for unwanted clothes were delivered to homes in Ipswich.

RESIDENTS planning to donate unwanted clothes to be sent to impoverished countries have been warned they could be sold on - not donated for free.

The warning from Trading Standards comes after leaflets asking for unwanted clothes were delivered to homes in Ipswich.

The leaflets have been delivered to homes in Rectory Road and Philip Road and ask for people to leave bags of unwanted clothes out for collection.

The leaflets do not claim to be from a charity, but Trading Standards have said some people may not realise their belongings will be sold on and not donated.

A spokeswoman for Trading Standards said: "It is not a charity, they are doing this for profit.

"There isn't any specific advice we can give people, other than to be aware that it is a company and not a charity."

The small-print of the leaflet says the collection company is called PSS Ltd and provides people in third world countries with affordable clothes for their families.

The spokeswoman said while the company is not committing an offence by selling on collected clothes, people often don't realise that is what happens.

The Star has also discovered that PSS Ltd, registered as Palanga Services Seven Limited, is currently facing legal action to force it to cease trading.

The action is being taken by Government organisation Companies House, which is responsible for ensuring limited companies follow legislation set down in the Companies Act 1989.

The action is being taken because PSS Ltd has failed to supply accounts and documents to Companies House and it is due to be struck off as a registered company in August, meaning it will be illegal for it to continue trading as a limited company after that date.

The leaflets delivered in Rectory Road and Philip Road said representatives from PSS would visit to collect bags of unwanted clothing, shoes, curtains, bedding and handbags.

The spokeswoman from Trading Standards said anyone who wanted to be sure their clothes would be freely sent on should take them to a registered charity.

"If you want to donate your clothes then take them to a charity shop - people need to be aware that this is a profit making company."

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