Wayne Hankins, who owns a photography studio, couldn’t understand why Trading Standards turned up at his door on Tuesday
A business owner has been left baffled after he was reported to Trading Standards by the member of the public for a bizarre reason. Wayne Hankins, 71, has owned a photography studio in Mountain Ash, Rhondda Cynon Taf, for nearly 40 years but this week he received a surprising visit from Trading Standards.
Mr Hankins said he was reported to Trading Standards by “some low life” for displaying a photo in his studio window which included a West Ham logo. The photo was of Mr Hankins’ grandson Zayd wearing a West Ham kit.
The first he had heard of the incident was when a Trading Standards officer visited his studio on Tuesday, April 15. He said: “Trading Standards came around and said ‘You can’t have that in your window because you haven’t got permission from West Ham to display the logo’.
“I was absolutely shocked. I didn’t understand what anyone could have reported me for. It is stupid – all the things wrong in this country and somebody does that.”
Mr Hankins, who has been a West Ham fan all his life, has since contacted the Premier League club, who have said that he can continue displaying the image in his studio window.
A response he received from the supporter services at the club said: “We aren’t aware of a complaint being lodged to Trading Standards and that, as in our understanding you are not using the club’s crest in products for sale, or to promote your business, we do not object to you having the photo of your grandson in your studio window.”
Mr Hankins said he thinks he knows who has reported him as another business in Mountain Ash town centre has faced similar problems. RCT’s Trading Standards team have confirmed that no further action is being taken in relation to the incident.
Mr Hankins added that “hundreds” of people have been in touch since he posted about the incident on social media. “People have been saying how ridiculous it is,” he said.
“It’s been great publicity for the business.” Get the latest Rhondda news first by signing up to our newsletter here
One person commented on Mr Hankins post to say, “I still can’t believe that someone would stoop so low!”
Another person said: “Why? It’s a fabulous photo of your handsome grandson you keep doing what you do best. Absolutely shocking.”
Mr Hankins also has a photo of Welsh rugby international Bryonie King in his window, which features the WRU logo. After the recent incident with Trading Standards, he has covered up the WRU logo with a piece of paper for now while he checks that the WRU, like West Ham, are happy for the logo to be displayed. “I’m waiting for a response from them and if they’ll allow it, I’ll uncover that,” he said.
A Rhondda Cynon Taf Council spokesperson said: “The council’s Trading Standards team received a complaint from the public and have now investigated this matter in line with its standard procedure. The proprietor of the business has been advised accordingly and no further action is currently being taken.
“Our Trading Standards team have a legal duty to look into all matters raised by the public to ensure goods and services provided to residents are as they should be.”
