Southend-on-Sea Trading Standards

14/08/2026

‼️Disposable BBQ Ban
In response to the current high heat event and extended dry spells / droughts and the risk to public safety this involves, the Government has today confirmed the sale and use of disposable BBQ's in the current weather conditions, pose a significant risk to the public and the environment.

Therefore, they cannot be supplied or made available for sale.

These guidelines apply to all disposable BBQs. They are defined as products for domestic single-use only, to be used outdoors and not intended for re-filling or reuse.

Should anyone have details of any businesses selling disposable BBQ's they can be reported via our partner service, Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

Further guidance is available:

In response to the current droughts and heatwave, the Government has introduced statutory guidelines in relation to the supply of disposable BBQs.

14/08/2026

🚨 Be aware of Winter Fuel Payment scams 🚨

Reports of fake Winter Fuel Payment messages circulating. These messages may ask you to click a link, confirm your details, or act urgently.

Remember: Most Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will not ask for your bank details by text message.

✅ Don't click links in unexpected messages
✅ Never share personal or financial information
✅ Forward suspicious text messages to 7726 to help stop scams spreading

Not sure if a message is genuine? Check it safely using Ask Silver.

🔗 https://www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/ask-silver

14/08/2026

🚨 Buying tickets for the 2026 season?

❌ Fraudsters use social media to advertise tickets that don’t exist. They will usually request payment via bank transfer or cryptocurrency.

✅ Only buy direct from the clubs or their official partners.

14/08/2026

Counterfeit flea treatments could be at best ineffective, but in reality could contain toxic ingredients causing vomiting and seizures.

Product tests found traces of Pirimiphos-methyl, a pesticide toxic to cats.

Don’t risk your pets health, make sure you’re buying from a reputable seller and question a discounted price: https://bit.ly/FakeFleaTreatment

14/08/2026

If you’re commuting on an e-bike or e-scooter, take a moment to check you’re using it safely.

Lithium-ion batteries can present a serious fire risk if they are faulty, damaged or charged incorrectly.

Only use manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers, and check whether your product has been recalled.

Learn more via the links in the comments ⤵️

13/08/2026

☀️ Using a rechargeable handheld fan to cool down this summer?

To stay cool and stay safe:
✅ Buy from reputable sellers
✅ Follow manufacturer's instructions
✅ Use the correct charger
✅ Watch for signs of overheating or battery damage
✅ Avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight

13/08/2026

Product Recall for Sophie Allport Doorstops and Draught Excluders as the marble chips sealed inside the doorstop/excluder may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos. Asbestos is a banned substance because it poses a risk to health even at low levels of exposure.

Hare Doorstop
Product code: ALL25630

Beehive Doorstop
Product code: ALL36630

Woodland Owl Doorstop
Product code: ALL52630

Chicken Doorstop
Product code: ALL8630

Pheasant Doorstop
Product code: ALL19630

Sheep Doorstop
Product code: ALL43630

Elephant Doorstop
Product code: ALL54630

Runner Duck Doorstop
Product code: ALL35630

Dachshund Doorstop
Product code: ALL46630

Cat (Purrfect) Doorstop
Product code: ALL31630

Spaceship Doorstop
Product code: ALL62630

Bubbles & Fizz Doorstop
Product code: ALL61630

Terrier Doorstop
Product code: ALL15630

Labrador Doorstop
Product code: ALL12630

Safari Doorstop
Product code: ALL33630

Cows Doorstop
Product code: ALL40630

Rugby Ball Doorstop
Product code: ALL26630

Woof Draught Excluder
Product code: ALL32636

Dachshund Draught Excluder
Product code: ALL46636

Purrfect Draught Excluder
Product code: ALL31636

Pheasant Draught Excluder
Product code: ALL19635

Highland Stag Draught Excluder
Product code: ALL29635

Chicken Draught Excluder
Product code: ALL8635

Woof Draught Excluder
Product code: ALL32635

Products sold from September 2014.

The products have been withdrawn from the market and recalled from end users by Sophie Allport. We recommend that you stop using the products immediately and keep them out of reach of children. Follow the instructions below for details on disposal and return of the product.

Disposal instructions:
▪️ If the product is undamaged, place in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double tape it securely, label it clearly and store in a secure location out of the reach of children.
▪️ If the product is damaged and the filling is accessible, clean-up sites where the product was used using wet cloths to avoid generating dust. Wear gloves and a mask. Double bag the filling and product along with the used gloves, mask and cloths. Keep children and other people away from areas where the marble chips have been used until the area has been cleaned.
▪️ Double bag the product, gloves, mask and cloth and double tape it securely.
▪️ Return the product to one of the three Sophie Allport shops for a full refund.
▪️ If you are unable to return the product to a Sophie Allport shop, or the product was purchased via an online marketplace, follow the steps above and contact your local authority / access their website for guidance on safe disposal of asbestos in your area.
▪️ For further information, or questions, contact Sophie Allport directly on 0177856025.

13/08/2026

Beware of fake text messages targeting drivers by pretending to be from RingGo. These messages usually claim that you have an "outstanding parking payment" or an "unpaid parking session."

The text message is fake, sent by fraudsters that want to steal your login credentials, personal and financial information.

✅ Report suspicious text messages by forwarding them to 7726.

If you receive a text, look out for these warning signs:
The Sender: RingGo will never text you from a generic or personal email address (like a Gmail or Yahoo account).
Suspicious Links: Look closely at the web link. Fake links will not point to their official website.
Tricky Requests: The text might ask you to reply with a letter like "Y" or tell you to copy a link into your internet browser (Safari or Chrome) to activate it. RingGo will never ask you to do this.

If you are ever unsure about a payment, you can safely check your official account at any time:
Open your official RingGo app or go directly to myRingGo website.
Log into your account and check your Receipts / History.
If your parking session shows up as paid there, your account is completely secure.

12/08/2026

Do you know where your bank cards are ~right now~?
It’s easy to lose track. We’ve all tossed them in a small bag, left them on the table, or forgotten them in a jacket pocket.
But here’s the thing: your bank cards hold access to your money and information. You need to make sure they are kept safe 🔒
By stealing your wallet or peeking over your shoulder while you enter your PIN, criminals may gain access to your money, or even apply for a credit card in your name without you knowing.
Storing your card safely means keeping your money safe.

12/08/2026

Product Recall for Kiddo World Make Your Own Sensory Bin Construction Site. The product presents a risk to health as the play sand may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos. Asbestos is a banned substance because it poses a risk to health even at low levels of exposure.

Brand: Kiddo World
SKU: SENSO
Barcode: 3830086780681

The product has been withdrawn from the market and recalled by Kiddo World. Affected consumers have been contacted directly.

We recommend owners stop using the product immediately and keep it out of the reach of children. Follow the below instructions for details on disposal and return of the product. For more information, please contact Kiddo World via [email protected].

Disposal instructions:
▪️ Stop using the product immediately.
▪️ If the sand is still in its packaging, place in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double tape it securely, label it clearly and store in a secure location out of the reach of children.
▪️ If the sand has been used, clean up sites where the product was used with wet cloths to avoid generating dust. Wear gloves and a mask. Double bag the sand, gloves, mask and cloths.
▪️ Keep children and other people away from areas where the sand has been used until the area has been cleaned.
▪️ Follow the instructions provided by Kiddo World for return and refund of affected products.
▪️ If you are concerned that you own an affected product and have not been contacted, please contact Kiddo World via [email protected]