Warning over buying fake electrical items

North Wales Trading Standards authorities have joined together in an attempt to raise people’s awareness of the risks of purchasing counterfeit electrical items.

 

According to Electrical Safety First, the number of counterfeit and sub-standard electrical goods sold online has increased considerably in recent years with the most common fakes being for popular and sought-after items.

 

The number of fake mobile phones seized has risen by more than 50% with other top electrical fakes including hair straighteners, e-cigarette chargers and games.

 

Worryingly, research by the Electrical Safety First has shown that:

 

·         24% of people have knowingly bought a counterfeit product

 

·         21% would consider buying one in order to save money

 

·         16% do not think counterfeit products could put them at risk

 

However, these fake goods often contain faulty parts that can cause products to overheat and catch fire. With products left charging overnight or on beds, and sometimes under pillows, a small spark can cause a major fire within minutes.

 

Kevin Jones, Chair of North Wales Heads of Trading Standards, said: “With the current financial climate, people are looking for bargains to make their money go further. But if a deal looks like it’s too good to be true, then it probably is not only too good to be true but could actually be dangerous and life-threatening to you and your family.

 

More people now shop online which increases the opportunities for rogue traders to sell you fake products. Our advice is to stick to reputable retailers both on the High Street and online and have a look at Electrical Safety First’s online Safe Shopper’s Guide for advice on shopping safely online.”

 

Top five checks to avoid purchasing a counterfeit electrical item:

 

1. Check the reviews: Use reputable online review sites to see what people who have bought products say about them and the retailer and use website checkers set up by companies to confirm you are buying from an approved stockist.

 

2. Check the seller: Look for the seller’s contact details and ensure there is a full address, not just a PO Box number because just having a .co.uk address doesn’t mean they are based in the UK. Is the seller a well-known name or have you bought from them before?

 

3. Check the price: If a bargain looks too good to be true, it probably is. Check what others are selling it for and ask the trader why their price is so low.

 

4. Check the purchase process: Look for websites that allow you to pay safely – these have a padlock symbol on your screen when you are filling in your payment details – but don’t assume safe payment definitely means your purchase is genuine. Also ensure there is a returns or complaints procedure should you be unsatisfied.

 

5. Check the product: When it arrives, firstly check for damage or loose wires, the n check the voltage is 230V, 50Hz (the UK’s usual domestic voltage) and that they are fitted with a three-pin UK plug or charger. Also check the packaging note – does it come with instructions and a guarantee? If you have any suspicions about a product’s safety, or if you think it’s a fake, do not use it.

Council is rooting for Eurovision hopeful Joe

 

* Joe Woolford, left, with fellow contestant Jake Shakeshaft.

 

Denbighshire County Council is lending its support to Joe Woolford’s bid to represent the UK in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm.

 

Joe is a former apprentice of the council and worked at Ysgol Brynhyfryd in Ruthin as a teaching assistant before deciding to leave his job in pursuit of a singing career.

 

Joe made the final five in the BBC’s The Voice singing contest and has teamed up with fellow contestant Jake Shakeshaft to compete for the honour of representing the UK.

 

Both Joe and Jake will perform on the BBC Four’s Eurovision: You Decide programme tomorrow (Friday) at 7.30pm.

 

Councillor Gwyneth Kensler, chair of Denbighshire County Council. said: “Joe is a great ambassador for Ruthin and for Denbighshire and regularly mentions his home area during media interviews.

 

"He is such a young talent who is proud of his roots, but also has a dream of making it in the pop world. 

 

"There’s a lot of interest locally in Joe’s quest and I would like to wish him the best of luck in the competition. I would ask everyone to show their support by picking up the phone and vote for Joe and Jake.”

 

County revises subsidised bus services

Following passenger consultations during the autumn of 2015, Denbighshire County Council says it will be revising some of its subsidised bus services with effect from February 29.

 

The principal changes are:

 

Ruthin-Mold-Chester (services 1/X1/2)

The service to Chester operates earlier from Ruthin, at 0930 and depart later from Chester, at 1420. During the consultation, passengers told us that they would welcome more time in Chester. There are also changes to the pattern of service for Llanarmon yn Iâl, Eryrys, Maeshafn and Llanferres and intending passengers should check Denbighshire’s website for details.

 

Denbigh-Ruthin-Corwen (service 55)

Following a range of passenger comments during the consultation, we have reintroduced some through journeys across Corwen to Llangollen & Wrexham. As a result, there will now be fewer journeys from Corwen/Ruthin in the Denbigh direction. Many times have changed and passengers are asked to check Denbighshire’s website for details.

 

Rhyl-Denbigh-Ruthin-Wrexham (services X50/X52)

There will be minor changes to evening journeys. The daytime service is will also see some changes, especially between Denbigh and Ruthin during off-peak periods.

 

Denbigh Town Service/Denbigh-Henllan-Llannefydd (service 66)

There are only minor changes to the timetable within Denbighshire but passengers for Llannefydd in particular should note important alterations. The service will be operated by GHA Coaches.

 

Denbigh-Llandyrnog-Ruthin-Graigfechan (service 76)

Minor changes only.

 

* Passengers will shortly be able to view new timetables online at www.denbighshire.gov.uk/travel or they are welcome to contact the County Council by phone on 01824 706964 to find out more information.

County supports contract bids by local firms

Denbighshire Council is aiming to be a major driver for local economic development by working proactively with local suppliers and businesses to support them with bids to win contracts with the council.

 

As part of its new procurement strategy, the council is aiming to ensure local businesses are aware of any opportunities to sell to the council and are capable of submitting high quality bids for the opportunities that arise.

 

In 2014/15, £32 million was spent with Denbighshire based businesses, around 31% of council spend. 52% of council spend was with businesses in North Wales.

 

Cabinet Lead Member for Finance, Julian Thompson-Hill said: "We are committed to trying to ensure that local businesses in Denbighshire are equipped to tender for contracts with the Council and can navigate their way through our procurement processes.

 

‘"These are challenging economic times but we want to see Denbighshire businesses grow and develop and we want to continue to create opportunities to sell to the council and also win business from the council.

 

"We are proud that over 30% of our procurement activity is already spent with businesses in Denbighshire and we hope our new procurement strategy takes us a step forward to increasing this even further."

 

Parking measures on A5 given priority, says AM

* Ken Skates AM outside Stan's on the A5. 

The Welsh Government has confirmed that parking restrictions on the A5 in Llangollen have been prioritised.

Assembly Member Ken Skates has welcomed the confirmation that the Welsh Labour Government intends to introduce double yellow lines to stop nuisance parking opposite Stans of Llangollen on Berwyn Street.

Mr Skates, who is based in the town, said parked cars opposite the garage caused an obstruction, particularly for older pedestrians trying to cross the road.

“I’m pleased that the Welsh Labour Government has reiterated its plans for parking restrictions opposite Stans,” said Mr Skates, who raised the issue last year.

“Transport Minister Edwina Hart said in January last year that the work would be put forward for funding, and she has now confirmed it is a priority. I thank the Welsh Labour Government for its support and for listening to my concerns and those of my constituents in Llangollen.”

In her response to Mr Skates, the Minister said: “We are progressing the order to implement the requested parking restrictions within the town centre. My officials have assured me that this is a priority and they are working to implement the works as soon as possible, subject to any public objections.

"The resurfacing works in Llangollen, including a length of carriageway to the west of the town, started on January 26 and will last approximately six weeks. Due to Wales and West Utilities’ intention to renew a length of cast iron gas main located within the carriageway, it will not be possible to resurface the section between Market Street and the 30mph signs to the west of the town. This work will be undertaken after the gas main has been renewed."

Tourism forum planned for March 3

The priorities for Denbighshire as a tourist destination will be high on the agenda for the county’s  next Tourism Forum meeting, taking place in early March – and there are  only a few days left for delegates to  register to attend.

 

The Denbighshire Tourism Forum meeting at the Oriel House Hotel, St Asaph on Thursday, March 3, will allow tourism businesses to agree the priorities for Denbighshire’s Destination Management Action Plan in 2016-17.

 

Guest speaker will be Melanie Sensicle, Programme Delivery Director, Northern Tourism Growth Fund, VisitEngland.

 

There will also be an opportunity to update delegates on tourism-related activity since the previous forum held in October.

 

To book a place at the forum, e-mail: tourism@denbighshire.gov.uk or telephone 01824 706223 together with details of any dietary or access requirements.

 

Registration for the event will take place from 10.30am ~ forum starts at 11am ~ lunch and networking at 1.30pm. 

New law on multiple occupation houses now in force

New legislation that will give planning authorities the opportunity to manage the impact of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in their local area comes into force this week.

 

North Wales South East Wales South West Wales Natural Resources Minister Carl Sargeant said the aim is to allow local planning authorities to require planning consent for new HMOs and to consider the effects such dwellings might have on local areas before deciding whether to approve planning permission or refuse it.

 

The new legislation will introduce a new use class (C4) for HMOs occupied by not more than six residents. This will mean that anyone wanting to create a new HMO for between three and six unrelated individuals who share basic amenities such as a kitchen or bathroom would have to apply for planning permission.
 
The legislation has been developed following recommendations made in an independent report into the effect HMOs can have on communities. The report found a clear need to take action to ensure the continued confidence of residents in areas with large numbers of HMOs, while also protecting the rights of those people residing in them.

The report also recognised that HMOs can provide a source of accommodation for people in specific circumstances and the intention of the changes is ensure better control of such households.

Carl Sargeant said: “HMOs make an important contribution to the private rented sector by catering for the housing needs of certain groups and provide accommodation for individuals who cannot afford to purchase properties or rent larger accommodation. 

“However, as our independent report found, large concentrations of HMOs can bring their own problems to local areas.  This new legislation will allow planning authorities to take action to manage the number of HMOs in their local area.

“I hope this legislation will be welcomed by those local communities affected by high concentrations of HMOs across Wales and by local authorities.”