Trading standards issue Slough Christmas countdown advice
Dodgy, disappointing and dangerous – these are the products that Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team is aiming to stop local residents buying this Christmas.
And to help them in their campaign they have a special SLOUGH warning:
S – Sales
Beware of especially cheap items in the run up to Christmas. If something seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Also be careful when buying from shops or stalls that may not be there after Christmas as there will be no chance of refunds or exchanges.
L – Lights and decorations
Christmas lights and decorations can be dangerous in the hands of young children. Make sure all Christmas lights conform to British safety standards and keep them out of the way of young hands.
O – 0 percent interest
Zero per cent interest on credit cards sounds great but some store cards charge up to 35 percent. Make sure you can afford any repayments before agreeing to have that card – and beware of hidden charges buried in the small print.
U – Under age sales
Don’t be caught buying goods if you are not old enough – trading standards officers will be checking shops to make sure they are not selling age restricted goods for example cigarettes, lottery tickets or fireworks to children.
G – Gifts
Make sure your gifts are safe and toys are suitable for the age of the child. Check toys for British Standards lion marks – a symbol of safety and quality.
H – Happy New Year
Trading standards officers will be on hand from January 2, 2008 to offer advice to anyone who has found their carefully chosen Christmas present has turned into a Christmas crisis. The team can help with problems from returning unwanted presents to faulty gifts.
Keith Eaglestone, head of Slough trading standards, said: “We want everyone to have a happy festive season and are offering this advice to ensure local residents get the most out of Christmas.
“We will be checking shops and goods over Christmas and during the New Year sales and are happy to help with any consumer problems people might have. The offices will only be closed on December 25, 26 and January 1.”
For advice on toy safety, returning gifts, under age sales or any other trading standards issue contact the team on 01753 875255 or e-mail on tradingstandards@slough.gov.uk.
Slough Borough Council