PEOPLE in Bolton who like to have their say are being warned to read the small print "price tag" before taking part in controversial fax polls.

And those who do not heed the warning could end up with a hefty phone bill.

Trading standards chiefs in Bolton and Wigan have had reports of unsoliticted faxes being sent by several different firms asking the receiver to vote yes or no to a controversial issue by faxing back to them.

But it will cost as much as £5 to fax the form back. Most of this money goes to the organisation which sends it.

The "polls" tend to be on subjects that people will have strong views about.

One example, brought to the attention of trading standards chiefs, tells the story of a 15-year-old boy who killed a puppy with a pitchfork.

Over the last two decades, it says, studies have shown a definite link between violent criminals and animal abusers. It then asks people to vote on whether the boy involved should be given a tougher sentence.

The fax claims the results will be sent to the Home Secretary and urges people to have their voice heard.

Bolton trading standards officer Tony Haslam says it is often a temptation because of the emotive subjects.

In the past, fax polls, which originated from the Bolton area, have included whether or not Myra Hindley should be hanged and whether or not the Grand National should be banned following horse deaths.

"They tend to pick up on subjects that people really care about and quickly trigger emotions," he warned.

"But at the end of the day it is set up so they can make money it and many people do not realise."

The practice is not against the law, so officers can only advise people to read the small print.

But the ICTIS -- Independent Commission for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services -- have an information service and helpline and can advise on how to rid your machine of "junk mail". Ring freephone 0800 500 212.