MARKET TRADER, OCTOBER 25 - NOVEMBER 7, 2019


receiving an anonymous tip-of f and successfully securing a warrant from Thames Magistrates Court on 24 August. For some u n k nown


reason Councillor Margaret Mullane, Cabinet Member for Enfor c eme nt and Community Safety attended the operation with council officers. She witnessed a haul of suspected fakes which filled a transit van. Brands taken away for further investigation included Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Dior and Paco Rabanne. Spe a k i ng af t e r t h e


ope r a t i o n Co u n c i l l o r Mullane said: “This is one of the biggest hauls of fake goods we have come across in Barking and Dagenham, and the work of our officers has in al l probabi l i t y prevented these products being sold on the streets of east London.” “We wi l l always take


action against anyone who puts profit ahead of people’s safety. If you suspect anyone selling counterfeit goods, help us do something about it by confidentially letting us know.” “The investigation remains


on-going and the occupants of the property will be invited to interview under caution in the coming weeks.


On-line workers please note


London traders with e-tailing side-lines might like to note


this latest sting story from Croydon. The press release, oh yes


if you get caught out you will feature in one of these and it will find its way on to the media locally, started as most of these semi-literate outpourings do. “Selling knives online to a 13-year- old led to two companies being ordered to pay a combined total of around £20,000 at Camberwel l Green Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.” Yes you’ll have guessed


– it was the usual story of under-age agent provocateur (invariably described as a volunteer) making what are also invariably described as ‘test’ purchases. The difference here is that


the defendants were miles away from South London – in Devon and Derbyshire no less. Yes these were on-line test


purchases. Sealants and Tools Direct


Ltd, from Newton Abbot in Devon, sold an 18mm snap- off knife to the volunteer test purchaser on 23 January 2019. On Tuesday (1 October), the court ordered the company to pay a total of £10,733.20 – an £8,000 fine, with costs of £2,563.20 and a victim surcharge of £170. Woodland Ways Ltd, from


Matlock in Derbyshire, also sold a companion knife to a 13-year-old on the same date, and was ordered to pay a total of £10,066.80 –


an £8,000 fine, with costs of £1,896.80, and a victim surcharge of £170. Advance warning letters to


say a test purchase attempt was likely were sent to both companies. Speaking after the case


a council spokesperson: “Whethe r bus ine s se s are operating in store or online, they all have a major responsibility to help protect young people and prevent knife crime. “Ou r wo r k l e a d i n g


nationally on online test purchasing is consistently highlighting how much more online providers must do to comply with the law. The message is clear – underage, illegal knife sales lead to prosecutions. “We couldn’t do any of this


vital work without our young volunteer mystery shoppers who are taking an active part in helping to keep other young people safe.” Wel l yes but Croydon


Counci l does not seem to realise how unhelpful a precedent they have set here. If they don’t understand what I’m getting at – and I wouldn’t be at all surprised – I am not going to tell them. They must try to work it out for themselves. The Chat has warned for


years about face to face sales of age restricted products but this misguided council action has added additional jeopardy for remote sales. London workers indeed


FEATURE 7


...and indeed popular in general


workers everywhere be warned. Well done Croydon! I don’t


think...


New frontages in Greenwich


The Royal Borough


of Greenwich is giving businesses along Plumstead High Street the opportunity to spruce up their shop fronts with up to 90 per cent of the costs paid for. Funded by the Mayor of


London’s Good Growth Fund, and the Council, the Plum- stead Shopfront Improve- ment Programme will run from Winter 2019 to Autumn 2021 providing assistance to business landlords and tenants who wish to improve their premises. Plumstead is a priority regeneration area for the


Royal Borough of Greenwich and the council says it is f o c u s i ng s ub s t a n t i a l resources from both the public and private sector to bring forward positive change in the area. The Plumstead Shopfront


Improvement Programme can cover a signi f icant portion of the costs of a new shop front or smaller scale improvements, including new lighting, replacement of canopies, fascia boards, ex ternal redecorat ion and help with branding. Participating businesses will also receive expert advice and support from a team of architects, builders and designers. Refurbishments are being


funded by £2.5million from the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund matched by


an equal amount from the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Funding will also be used to redevelop Plumstead Power Station into a business and workspace hub. London deputy mayor Jules


Pipe said: “This programme clearly demonstrates how the Mayor’s Good Growth Fund supports London’s diverse local businesses. Through well-planned improvement work, Greenwich is helping to realise Plumstead high street ’s potent ial as an attractive, flourishing area for local people, businesses and visitors.” Businesses in Plumstead


are being contacted directly by the Council’s appointed engagement team. Eligibility for the scheme and funding is subject to meeting the scheme’s criteria.


For all trading opportunities email markets@hyndburnbc.gov.uk alternatively call on 01254 233816


M23417


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24