Market signs up for real deal

WARRINGTON Market has achieved another quality standard by becoming one of the first markets in the country to sign-up to the Real Deal national markets’ charter.
The charter is part of a new UK initiative to keep markets and car-boot sales free from counterfeit and other illicit goods.
In Warrington, the council’s market team and its Trading Standards service have a long history of working closely together to make sure the market is a safe, fair venue for people to shop and to trade.
Vetting procedures have been introduced to ensure that counterfeit goods are not sold. In recognition of this, the market now displays the Real Deal logo, confirming its position as a beacon of good practice and a role-model for other markets across the country. Only two other local authorities in the country have so far achieved this standard.
In other parts of the country, the situation is not as positive. Some markets have been infiltrated by organised criminal gangs selling counterfeit clothing, tobacco, DVDs and other goods. This brings with it a host of problems, including consumers being ripped off, legitimate traders and market workers being intimidated, and the reputation of the markets and law-abiding traders becoming tarnished.
Liz Bales, director general of the Industry Trust for IP Awareness, which initiated the campaign said: “Warrington Borough Council’s approach is a shining example and shows how co-ordinated teamwork can successfully keep the counterfeit con-men at bay. The efforts of both the markets team and trading standards deserve to be applauded and I’m pleased that the council is leading the way by becoming one of the first in the country to officially adopt the national Real Deal charter.”