LOCAL MP ISSUES WARNING ON ELECTRICAL SAFETY

11.00.00am GMT Sun 21st Feb 2010

Local MP Sir Robert Smith is warning people in the area of the dangers of purchasing electrical goods over the internet after research revealed that a range of electrical goods bought from online auction sites did not meet current UK safety standards.

Sir Robert has welcomed the launch of a campaign by the Electrical Safety Council (ESC), the UK's only charity dedicated to electrical safety, to increase awareness of the risks associated with buying electronic equipment online. A recent survey of consumers who had bought electrical goods over the internet showed that that one in five had experienced problems with their purchases - twenty five percent of these said the problems caused an injury or fire.

Sir Robert is backing a Parliamentary motion in support of the ESC's campaign and is urging all of his constituents who shop online to have a look at the new safety advice available on their website.

Commenting, Sir Robert said:

'What this latest research makes clear is that cheap electronic goods will often come with a hidden cost. The new ESC guide provides consumers with a range of simple precautions that will help people stay safe and reduce the likelihood of a nasty shock this Christmas.'

The ESC Safe Shoppers Guide is available online at www.escsafeshoppersguide.org.uk.