Pembrokeshire County Council's Trading Standards Service is warning Pembrokeshire consumers about house-to-house clothing collections. Orange and white flyers entitled 'Chernobyl clothing collection' are currently being distributed through letterboxes in the South Pembrokeshire area. They advise consumers that clothing, ladies' men's and children's, socks and underwear, and shoes are urgently required for Ukrainian people who remain affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Trading standards say the wording may lead consumers into believing that the collections are for charitable purposes. It is believed that Byronswell Ltd. is not a charity and consumers are being advised to exercise caution in donating their unwanted items to this business. When similar flyers were distributed by another company in the north of the county recently, the local authority's trading standards manager Nigel Watts said: "Donated items are likely to be sold for commercial gain rather than being provided through a charitable organisation. "I would encourage consumers who receive suspect flyers to ignore them. "If consumers wish to seek further advice they should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06." Mr. Watts added: "I am concerned that companies such as this are depriving legitimate charities of income and misleading the public. "Our advice will always be to check the small print before donating. Consumers can check whether an organisation is a charity by contacting the Charity Commission. "Alternatively, take your donations direct to a recognised charity or local charity shop of your choice where you can be confident that your donations will benefit those in need." Dyfed Powys Police are also advising members of the public to be extra vigilant. There have been leaflets delivered in the South Pembrokeshire area, in particular Tenby/Jameston, from collecting agencies in relation to clothing. If there are any concerns relating to this, then the public are advised to use local registered organisations.
