By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner
PEOPLE are being told to be careful about buying bargain furniture.

West Yorkshire Trading Standards says furniture sold privately may not be safe.
The warning comes after a person from Knottingley, near Pontefract, bought a suite for £340.

It contained flammable foam, which is banned in the UK.

The customer did not know about the foam until the suite began sagging within a week of delivery.

The customer contacted Trading Standards’ Consumer Direct service, who tested the suite.

It was found to be an eastern European import – not the high-quality Italian item described – and failed flammability tests.

The person had responded to an advert stating the suite was worth £1,200, but the seller would take £340 because he wanted a quick sale.

Kirklees councillor Tony Brice, a member of the West Yorkshire Trading Standards Committee, said poor- quality furniture could be dangerous.

He said: “Over 200 people a year lost their lives in house fires involving upholstered furniture before regulations were introduced in 1988 to control the materials used in furniture.

“I am appalled that there are still traders who are willing to profit from the trade in dangerous, imported goods,” added Clr Brice, who represents Lindley.

Graham Hebblethwaite, West Yorkshire Trading Standards chief officer, advised people to only buy furniture from reputable dealers.

He said that if people wanted to search for a bargain they should be careful.

He added: “Beware of bargains in post office windows.”

Mr Hebblethwaite also asked anyone with information about the trade in sub-standard furniture to contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.