Councillor Roy Perry, Leader of Hampshire County Council, said: “Fake goods may offer a temptingly cheap alternative to buying from high street shops, but counterfeits are often made from inferior materials, can be dangerous, and could result in injury or even death. Counterfeit cosmetics and perfumes can often contain untested and harmful substances that may burn the skin or leave a nasty rash. Fake electrical items may seem like a bargain but they can be electrically unsafe and could overheat, explode or burn out quickly.

“Unscrupulous traders selling counterfeit or illegal goods will not be tolerated. Signing up to the Real Deal Charter demonstrates our commitment to protecting Hampshire residents, and especially at this time of the year – giving local shoppers the confidence that the goods they are buying are the real deal.”

Councillor Derek Pretty, Cabinet Member for Business and Skills at Eastleigh Borough Council, said:  “The Council is committed to protecting local people from being offered fake goods to buy. Our support for this initiative reinforces this commitment and I look forward to local people buying with confidence in the run up to Christmas.”

Eastleigh Market operates every Thursday and Saturday in Leigh Road, Eastleigh.

The Real Deal Campaign is a national initiative that brings together market traders, Local Authorities and Trading Standards to maintain local markets and car boot sales as safe and fair environments in which to trade and to shop. The more markets that sign up to this commitment, the more difficult it will become for counterfeit traders to move from one market to the next, to avoid detection. For more details visit www.realdealmarkets.co.uk

Patricia Lennon, of the Real Deal campaign, said: “We are delighted to welcome Hampshire County Council, Eastleigh Borough Council and the town’s market into the Real Deal scheme. By signing the Real Deal Charter, Eastleigh Market can now display the Real Deal logo, giving an assurance to shoppers and to market traders that this is a fake-free zone. At the same time, it sends a clear signal to any would-be traders in counterfeit goods that they are not welcome here.

“We would like to thank the borough council’s Markets and Town Centre team and Hampshire County Council Trading Standards service for working together over a sustained period, to achieve the Real Deal charter signing here today.”

Residents who are concerned about the sale of any illegal goods should call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 040506