TRADERS at Burnley Market will scrutinise their fellow stall holders’ goods as part of a major crackdown on the sale of counterfeit items.

The Real Deal Initiative will see traders self-police the market and take action if they spot anything suspicious.

Burnley Market is the first in East Lancashire to display the Real Deal brand, which tells shoppers they have signed up to the pioneering code of practice.

The scheme is a multi-partner project involving traders, Lancashire County Council’s (LCC) Trading Standards and Burnley Council.

Albert Atkinson, deputy leader of LCC, said: "The traders are best placed to know what's going on in their own market – any business caught selling fakes damages the reputation and success of the whole market and it's in everyone's interest to be vigilant."

"Burnley market is popular with shoppers and an environment for legitimate local businesses to trade successfully.

“The Real Deal campaign will make sure it stays that way.”

Councillor Peter McCann, executive member for planning and environment at Burnley Council, said: "As the first east Lancashire market to sign up, Burnley market is pioneering the Real Deal initiative – as more and more markets join it will become a brand that people know and trust.

"We want everyone to have complete confidence that when they buy local here at Burnley market they are buying quality and will get what they've paid for.

"As well as helping to prevent crime, Real Deal will encourage trade."