Market blazes trail against sale of fake merchandise (From This Is Lancashire)

Market blazes trail against sale of fake merchandise

9:44am Wednesday 16th December 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share

BURY Market is leading a nationwide crackdown in the sale of fake goods.

The market team and the council’s trading standards service have introduced stringent vetting procedures to ensure fakes are stamped out.

Now it has become one of the first in the country to sign the ‘Real Deal’ markets charter.

Traders have been named as beacons of good practice and role models for markets across the UK.

A ‘Real Deal’ charter logo is now being displayed on the market in recognition of the achievement.

Cllr Dorothy Gunther, executive member for environment and transport, said: “I am passionate about markets, and we have a fantastic, award-winning market here in Bury.

“We are committed to providing a market where customers can shop with confidence. I would like to praise both our trading standards officers and our market staff, who work as our eyes and ears in the fight against criminals selling counterfeit and other illegal goods.”

The charter is part of a new initiative designed to keep markets and car boot sales free from counterfeit and other illicit goods.

It was a joint creation by the local authorities co-ordinating body, the Trading Standards Institute, the market operators association and industry groups representing copyright and trademark owners.

The initiative was introduced to protect customers and legitimate traders from gangs selling fake clothing, tobacco, DVDs and other goods.

Liz Bales, director general of the Industry Trust for IP Awareness, which initiated the campaign, said: “Bury Council's approach is a shining example and shows how co-ordinated teamwork can successfully keep the counterfeit conmen at bay.”

To report the sale of counterfeit goods: contact Bury Trading Standards on 0161 253 5000.

• Print
• Email
• Share