FOLLOWING an incident in 2014 when TV presenter Claudia Winkleman’s daughter suffered burns after her Halloween costume caught fire, the council is warning parents about the risk of children’s fancy dress catching light.
Trading Standards is urging people to take care with candles this Halloween as they can quickly set fire to clothing.
Even if fancy dress outfits have passed a flammability test they are unlikely to be completely flame retardant.
To avoid the risk of fire, parents can use LED lights, electric candles and other neon bulbs instead of naked flames.
As part of a Halloween Project, officers from Trading Standards did spot checks at shops across the town to confirm items for sale were in compliance with regulations.
Officers are also advising parents to check that children’s costumes fit properly to avoid falls, to look for the CE mark on labels and to ensure hoods or masks do not prevent youngsters from breathing or seeing.
For more information or advice about any consumer issue call 03456 040506 or visit citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/if-you-need-more-help-about-a-consumer-issue.
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