Traders in Strabane backing the Real Deal campaign
TRADERS at Strabane Market joined the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh at the weekend to show their support for Council’s membership of the Real Deal campaign.
The initiative is a cross-sector scheme involving Local Authorities, Trading Standards, Market Operators and traders, which aims to combat the sale of fake goods and promote legal sellers and goods at local markets.
Traders in Derry will join the Mayor to show their support at the monthly Walled City Market taking place this Saturday, September 2nd in the Guildhall Square.
Nicolle Walters, Market Development Officer at Derry City and Strabane District Council, said market traders were supportive of the ‘Real Deal’ campaign and are committed, alongside Council, to providing safe and legal goods at local markets.
“Council is committed to eliminating the sale of fake, illegal or unsafe goods at its markets and continue to work with the relevant authorities to do so,” she explained.
Shoppers should now be assured that goods and services purchased at any council markets are safe, genuine, reliable and legal.
“The Walled City Market operates in Derry’s Guildhall Square on the first Saturday of each month and the Strabane Market operates in the Courtyard of the Alley Theatre on the last Friday of each month. Both markets have been well received by local traders, local shoppers and visitors to both areas each month.”
Patricia Lennon, of the Real Deal campaign, said: “We are delighted to welcome Derry’s Walled City Market and Strabane Market into the Real Deal scheme.
“By signing the Real Deal Charter, both markets can now display the Real Deal logo, giving an assurance to their shoppers and to market traders that this is a fake-free zone.
“It also sends a clear signal to any would-be traders in counterfeit goods that they are not welcome here.
“We would like to thank the Council’s markets team and the Trading Standards service for working together to protect consumers and local businesses from the harm caused by the trade in counterfeit goods.
Damien Doherty, Chief Inspector of the Trading Standards Service, added: “Fake items may appear attractive but consumers should be aware of the wider implications and the risks to their own safety.
“There has been a worrying increase in potentially dangerous fake goods being sold to consumers such as electrical equipment, toys, personal care products and medicines.
“This partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council is a positive example of how agencies can work together to promote law-abiding market activity providing benefits for customers, traders and communities and reducing opportunities for criminal activity.”
Further information on the ‘Real Deal’ campaign can be found at www.realdealmarkets.co.uk/ or for information on the Walled City Market or Strabane Market visit Facebook at www.facebook.com/whatsonderrystrabane/ or follow @Walledmarket on Twitter.
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