Darlington's markets are the real deal

23 July 2010

Darlington Borough Council has become the first local authority in the North East to sign the national Real Deal Markets' Charter for its historic covered market in the town centre as well as the general outdoor market, craft market, farmers' market and the car boot sale held at Darlington FC football ground.

The Real Deal Charter is awarded to councils and markets across the UK that show a clear commitment to keeping the market a fake-free zone by barring anyone found to be trading in counterfeit and other illegal products.

The Council's Markets Division has worked closely with Darlington Trading Standards to introduce stringent vetting procedures to ensure that counterfeit goods are not sold at the local markets.

Now, in recognition of this, the markets in Darlington will be displaying the Real Deal logo, confirming their position as beacons of good practice and role-models for other markets across the country.

Councillor Stephen Harker, Darlington Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Leisure, said:

"We want to send a clear message to those illegal traders who sell fake goods, that they are not welcome here in Darlington and that everyone involved in the markets here is in agreement on that.

"We have excellent regular markets, as well as market events in the town, and we won't allow unscrupulous traders who deal in fake goods to spoil that for everyone else. People who shop here should know that what they buy at our markets are good quality goods and services."

Liz Bales, Director General of the Industry Trust for IP Awareness, which initiated the Real Deal campaign, commented:

"By signing-up to the Real Deal charter, Darlington markets are sending a clear 'keep-out' message to counterfeit con-men, helping to ensure that these markets are safe, fair venues for people to shop and to trade.

"Well-run local markets are great. They are often at the heart of a community and provide real benefits to shoppers and local business people. Unfortunately, unscrupulous traders can be attracted to markets and car boot sales as an easy opportunity to trade illegally, particularly in counterfeit and pirated goods. It is a major problem across the UK and is often linked to organised criminal groups for whom selling counterfeit goods is a relatively risk-free way to make money and to launder cash from other criminal activity. Shoppers in Darlington are fortunate that they can shop with confidence knowing that traders in counterfeits will not be tolerated at the town's markets.

"Darlington's markets officers and trading standards officers deserve praise for their team effort and all their hard work in achieving the Real Deal standard. We hope that more markets across the country follow their lead."

If anyone has any doubts about the quality of goods or services purchased at the markets or from other traders or retailers in the Darlington Borough, they should contact Consumer Direct on 0845 404 0506.