Dodgy, disappointing and dangerous – these are the products that Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team aim to stop local residents buying this Christmas.
And to help them in their campaign, they have a special Slough warning:
Slough 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.
Lights and decorations – Slough 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 percent interest – Zero per cent interest on credit cards sounds great, but some Slough store cards charge up to 35 percent. Make sure you can afford any repayments before agreeing to have the card – and beware of hidden charges buried in the small print.
Under age sales – don’t be caught buying goods if you’re not old enough. Slough Trading standards officers will be checking shops to make sure they’re not selling age restricted goods, such as cigarettes, lottery tickets or fireworks to children.
Gifts – make sure your gifts are safe and toys are suitable for the age of the child.
Happy New Year – Slough trading standards officers will be on hand in January 2009 to offer advice to anyone who has found their carefully chosen present has turned into a Christmas crisis. The team can help with problems from returning unwanted presents to faulty gifts.
Keith Eaglestone, trading standards manager for Slough Borough Council, 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’ll 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.”
Commissioner for Slough community and leisure, Cllr Shafiq Chaudhry, added: “Christmas should be a time of celebration and family gatherings, so it’s important that trading standards offer sound advice to make sure everyone has a good and safe time over the festive holiday.”
For advice on toy safety, returning gifts, under age sales or any other trading standards issues, contact the team on 01753 875255 or e-mail tradingstandards@slough.gov.uk.
Slough Borough Council
