'We need the intelligence to come from general public'

OVER 800 e-cigarettes and vapes were seized between April and June by North East Lincolnshire Council trading standards, a senior councillor has said.

- By IVAN MORRIS POXTON

Since June 1, the local authority has faced a new element to crack down on in its battle against illicit goods, with the ban on the sale of single-use vapes.

This was raised by Cllr Kath Wheatley (Labour - West Marsh Ward) at full council, who asked what actions and compliance monitoring are being taken to enforce this ban.

Cllr Ron Shepherd (Conservative - Scartho), portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, reeled off a series of statistics on Trading Standards seizures, arguing it showed the council has become more proactive.

He also said closure orders on retail shops, which prohibit access for three months based on antisocial behaviour concerns, are “ineffective” in most cases.

This was partly due to perpetrators reopening elsewhere, or ownership of the shops swapping hands, and he urged the public to come forward with intelligence.

“Retail shops are subject to regular, unannounced compliance visits by NELC Trading Standards,” Cllr Shepherd said.