Westminster's trading standards officers have confiscated more than 30 sets of potentially lethal Christmas lights from a shop on Queensway, after tests found the lights carried a risk of electric shock and fire. The "flimsy" string lights, sold under the trade name Guida, exposed live parts and were categorised by a laboratory report as a "high risk" product, with the plug and fuse both found to be counterfeit. Officers seized 33 sets of the lights along with 26 adaptors.
Great Value Store director Abdul Hamidi admitted six offences under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 when he appeared before Westminster magistrates. The case was adjourned for reports, with sentencing due on August 19th.
Cllr Caroline Sargent, Westminster City Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for enforcement, warned shoppers to be wary of bargains that seem too good to be true. "These lights were so badly made they exposed the user to the risk of electric shock and fire," she said, adding that Westminster's trading standards team will "keep doing their job to ensure Westminster shoppers get safe and legal products."
'Lethal' Christmas lights confiscated from London bargain store
The lights carried a risk of electric shock if touched
Cllr Caroline Sargent, Westminster City Council deputy leader and cabinet member for enforcement, said:
"Anyone buying these Christmas decorations could find their home lit up in more ways than the obvious.
"These lights were so badly made they exposed the user to the risk of electric shock and fire. The problem with bargains too good to be true is they are often shoddily made and unsafe, and these Christmas lights were not going to fill anyone with festive cheer.
"Our trading standards officers will keep doing their job to ensure Westminster shoppers get safe and legal products".
