Gloucestershire Trading Standards and Cotswold Markets launch ‘Real Deal’ at Moreton-in-Marsh

Gloucestershire County Council’s trading standards department and Cotswold Markets are continuing their work together under the Real Deal banner to prevent shoppers from being conned into buying fake designer goods and other illicit items

They have jointly signed the Real Deal Charter to promote legal sellers at Moreton-in-Marsh Market, run by Cotswold Markets. The campaign is a national initiative to ensure markets are run legally and have a working relationship with trading standards.

Patricia Lennon, national manager of the Real Deal campaign, said: “We are delighted to welcome Moreton Market into the Real Deal. By signing the Charter and displaying the Real Deal logo, they are joining with hundreds of markets across the country in saying ‘no’ to counterfeits and rogue traders.”

Cllr Dave Norman, cabinet member for trading standards at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “It is important to ensure legitimate traders are protected and those who feel they can make easy money are deterred at the earliest stage.

“Shoppers want to know that they will be buying genuine items so I’m pleased this partnership working through the Real Deal scheme will offer that reassurance.”

Dave Joynes, managing director of Cotswold Markets, said: “This is a great initiative that will see us working together with trading standards to protect consumers and local businesses from the harm caused by the trade in counterfeit goods.

“We’re really proud of our market’s reputation and want to reassure residents, visitors and businesses that we’re committed to maintaining a safe and fair environment in which to shop and trade.”

It comes after Cirencester Market, jointly run by Cirencester Town Council and Cotswold Markets, signed up to the Charter in July last year.

Since its launch in 2009, more than 500 markets across the UK have made a commitment to fake-free trading by signing the voluntary Real Deal Charter with their local trading standards.

If you have any concerns about items sold at Moreton-in-Marsh Market please contact Trading Standards on 0808 223 1133.