Shoppers in Wiltshire get the ‘real deal’

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Pictured are Steve Clover (left), Head of Commercial and Consumer Protection, signing on behalf of Trading Standards and Pete White (right) Enforcement & Events Manager at Wiltshire Council, representing the market operator.

Wiltshire Council is helping to make sure people get the ‘real deal’ when they shop at local markets. The council signed up to the Real Deal at Devizes Market on Thursday 24 November 2011, during National Consumer Week.

Cabinet member for trading standards, Keith Humphries, said: “Counterfeit goods cause great harm not only to the brand owners but also to legitimate traders that face unfair competition from cheap fake brands. Fake products are also sometimes unsafe and could put the public in danger. By signing up to this charter we can give confidence to residents and visitors that the goods they buy in our markets are genuine. The Real Deal stamp of approval is a great way to ensure people can shop and trade with confidence.”
By signing up to the charter, the council-run markets in Amesbury, Bradford on Avon, Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Marlborough, Pewsey, Warminster, Wilton and three markets in Devizes are now eligible to display the Real Deal logo.

The council will also benefit from working with traders, industry groups, copyright and trademark owners and other local authorities.

Steve Clover, the council’s head of consumer protection, added: “The Real Deal campaign will really help us to reduce the sale of counterfeit goods.It will also help us to tackle other problems including the sale of potentially dangerous goods and encourage general fair trading. As part of this scheme we will also be providing support to local traders and retailers.”

Shoppers are encouraged to report any concerns they may have regarding the sale of fake products. To report the sale of counterfeit goods people should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040 506. People can also anonymously report counterfeiting or other illegal activity by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.