County’s jewellers, antique dealers and pawnbrokers strike gold

Shropshire Council’s public protection and enforcement group has welcomed the positive responses received from the county’s jewellers, antique dealers and pawnbrokers who offer to buy gold from the public. 

A series of compliance visits have been undertaken to these businesses over a period of some months with a view to refreshing their understanding of relevant legislation, and ensuring that they have a source of reliable advice to turn to if problems arise. 

The visits initially revealed 26 businesses (90% of those visited) across Shropshire were failing to comply with the law in a number of ways including the use of unapproved or inaccurate scales, hallmarking irregularities and illegal returns policy statements.  The businesses have subsequently been extremely responsive to the advice offered, and subsequent revisits revealed that all outstanding issues had been addressed. 

Frances Darling, service manager for public protection and enforcement, said:

“We are very keen to work with businesses to help them achieve compliance with the law, and we will offer this support wherever possible.  I am delighted that the 90% of businesses initially found not to be complying with the law, rose to the challenge and are now fully compliant.  This approach benefits both the public and businesses as a whole and is the way we want to work.”   

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for public protection, said: 

“We are extremely pleased with the overwhelming level of support the trade has given this exercise.  As a result, any members of the public who are looking to dispose of valuable jewellery assets during these cash-strapped times can be confident that they are getting a fair deal in respect of accurate weighing of precious metals.  Also, I would strongly encourage sellers to shop around to get the best deal they can.”