AN Internet currency exchange company that ripped-off its customers have been wound-up following a DTI investigation. Cheaper Currencies.Com Limited (CCC Ltd) offered cheap currency exchange claiming that its rates beat high street outlets such as banks and travel agents. The company also offered contracts for customers wishing to make large transactions, such as property purchases and car imports. They claimed they could give preferential rates targeted to the customers' needs.

The firm did not co-operate with the investigation and failed to produce the company's financial and other records. This did not stop DTI investigators uncovering sufficient information to show that the company was cheating its customers and that large sums of money could not be accounted for. In one transaction involving the exchange of £105,000 the company issued a cheque to the client that bounced and subsequently failed to repay the client's money. Investigators found that some customers had lost over £226,000 between them.

From the few records that the DTI obtained it was evident that money was being withdrawn from the company's account in cash that has not been accounted for and some was transferred to bookmakers' accounts, for which no explanation has been offered.

THIS week we have to say to Chris and Kaz congratulations from all your family and freinds.   We also have to add a very big well done from all the staff at Roberta Lees, Southport and at PCBT Photography!

CONSULTATION is getting underway on major changes, which will improve day services for older and disabled people in Liverpool. At the moment, Liverpool's 15-day centres are only open during normal working hours from Monday to Friday, and are not spread evenly around the city. Some of the 1,200 people who use the service face a long journey to a centre from their home, with many pick-ups along the route.

The number of people attending each centre has been falling steadily in recent years, and some buildings are unsuitable for people with complex needs.

The overhaul of the day care system is designed to make the service far more flexible, so that people are able to access services from early in the morning until late at night in their own community. The new service will see the creation of community based outreach teams across the city who will make it quicker and easier for older and disabled people to access social care, health, learning, employment opportunities and other services close to where they live.

Councillor Flo Clucas, executive member for social care, said:- "Research has shown that people want more of a say over the services they receive, together with quality support to help them live within their own community. It could mean for example that older people get involved in sessions which enable them to meet and chat with those of a similar age, while younger people could get involved in social activities, or become part of an arts or drama group. The current day care system has been in operation for many years and does not meet the aspirations that the government has for this type of service."

There will be opportunities for all of the existing 279 staff within the new service structure, and a more consistent and transparent wage structure is being devised, in consultation with trade unions. A series of roadshows for users, carers, staff and disabled groups are taking place across the city this month to explain more about the proposals. Firm proposals will be drawn up following feedback and will go before the city council's Executive Board in late summer.