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Wales Online
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Hundreds of fake Labubu toys found on sale at huge Welsh event
Hundreds of fake Labubu toys found on sale at huge Welsh event Thousands of 'dangerous' counterfeit Labubus have been found on sale across Wales, after the elf-like doll went viral on TikTok Hundreds more fake Labubu toys have been found on sale in Wales (Image: Powys County Council) More than 500 fake Labubu-style dolls were found on sale at a huge Welsh event. Powys County Council said they seized the counterfeit toys from stands at the Royal Welsh Show in July, adding that the dolls posed "serious" safety risks for children, including choking hazards and some containing harmful banned chemicals. Labubus have become the latest viral sensation on the internet, made popular by influencers and celebrities. These "so-ugly-they're-cute" monster figurines and keychains have captured the hearts of collectors, with the original versions created by designer Kasing Lung and sold by Chinese retailer, Pop Mart. Shoppers recently queued down the street in Cardiff to buy the real product. However, the craze has led to an influx of knock-offs, also known as "Lafufus", with cases reported in Neath, Swansea and Rhondda Cynon Taf. Over 1,000 fake dolls were also recently seized in Newport in just one week. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here Trading standards have warned that these fakes, which are often much cheaper than the real product, can be extremely unsafe and a potential risk to small children. Over 1,000 toys were seized by Newport council's trading standards officers in just one week (Image: Newport City Council) At the Royal Welsh Show in Llanelwedd, near Builth Wells in Powys, the fake toys were seized by the council's Trading Standards Service, which carried out spot checks to ensure that products being sold, especially toys, met legal safety standards. Cllr Richard Church from Powys council said: "These counterfeit toys pose serious risks to children. Small parts, such as eyes and hands, can detach and become choking hazards. Some may also contain banned chemicals that are harmful to health. The safety of our children must always come first. "We urge parents and collectors to be vigilant when purchasing these toys. If you bought one at the Royal Welsh Show - or elsewhere - please check it carefully using the guidance below." In light of the booming number of fakes, councils have urged parents and collectors to be vigilant when purchasing the Labubus and have issued advice on how to spot the real thing. Trading standards have described the toys as 'dangerous' (Image: Newport City Council) Article continues below Top tips on how to identify a "Lafufu": Packaging: Real Labubu's come in a box with a matte finish and smooth feel. Real Labubu's come in a box with a matte finish and smooth feel. QR code: Newer Labubu's have a QR code that takes you here, if any other website pops up the product is fake. Newer Labubu's have a QR code that takes you here, if any other website pops up the product is fake. Features: Real Labubu's have ears that point slightly inward, nine teeth, bright and lively eyes (not closed) and pale, peachy faces. Real Labubu's have ears that point slightly inward, nine teeth, bright and lively eyes (not closed) and pale, peachy faces. Quality: Real Labubu's have soft fur and seamless stitching. Real Labubu's have soft fur and seamless stitching. Foot stamp: Labubu's have a Pop Mart logo on their right foot and the newer models have a stamp on their left foot only visible under UV light. Counterfeit products either lack these mark(s) entirely or have a mark that is overly obvious - visible without the need for special lighting or angle. Labubu's have a Pop Mart logo on their right foot and the newer models have a stamp on their left foot only visible under UV light. Counterfeit products either lack these mark(s) entirely or have a mark that is overly obvious - visible without the need for special lighting or angle. UKCA/CE Mark: MOST IMPORTANT - there should be UKCA/CE mark on the product itself (unless too small - in which case must be supplied with the item, e.g. on box) and there needs to be a name of importer into the UK (i.e. a UK on the label). However, it should not be solely relied upon, buyers should also carry out other checks listed before deciding whether to purchase an item. Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice
Business News Wales
22-07-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Powys Council's Building Control Team Shortlisted for Prestigious National Award
A council service has been shortlisted for a top national award that celebrates excellence in the construction and building control sector. Powys County Council's Build Control Team has been named as a finalist in the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Building Excellence Awards 2025, in the highly competitive category of Local Authority Building Control Team of the Year. The LABC Building Excellence Awards recognise outstanding contributions to construction quality, technical innovation, and collaborative working across England and Wales. Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for Legal and Regulatory Services, said: 'I'm delighted that our Building Control Team has been recognised on the national stage. This nomination is a testament to their professionalism, dedication, and the high standards they uphold in ensuring safe and sustainable development across Powys. 'Being shortlisted for such a prestigious award is a real achievement and reflects the excellent service they provide to our communities and construction partners.' The winners will be announced at the LABC Grand Finals in January 2026, where the best in the industry will be celebrated for their achievements.
Powys County Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Calls to knock down Welshpool toilets to boost car parking
A TOILET block should be flattened to make way for more car parking spaces to allow people to use a community centre in Welshpool. At a meeting of Powys County Council's Liberal Democrat/Labour Cabinet on Tuesday, July 15, senior councillors received a proposal to build 32 affordable homes at Berriew Street car park in the town. The car park currently has 450 spaces and after the development is built, would be left with 56 spaces. But after the local Scout group which has its headquarters at the COWSHACC (1st Clive's Own Welshpool Scout Headquarters & Community Centre) at the back of the car park raised issues, calls have been made to free up extra parking by knocking down the old toilet block. The group has been in contact with the council on how the potential loss of car parking space will affect them. Cabinet member for legal and regulatory services Cllr Richard Church (Liberal Democrat) represents Welshpool's Castle ward and spoke as the meeting as a local member. Cllr Church said: 'I welcome this development. 'This is a special opportunity to develop housing close to the heart of the town and to provide desperately needed good quality social housing.' Turning to the letter from the Scout group, Cllr Church continued: 'The Scout group run an excellent and modern community facility that is used by many groups in the town, the plans show some parking spaces for them.' He believed the council should meet the Scouts before a planning application is drawn up to 'ensure' the parking provision left over in the car park 'meets their needs.' Cllr Church said: 'We need to look at what we can do to maximise the car parking, hopefully removing the redundant toilet block there will provide more space.' He added that he had heard 'many positive comments' from Welshpool residents about the proposal. 'It is generally welcomed,' said Cllr Church. Deputy council leader and portfolio holder for housing Cllr Matthew Dorrance (Labour) explained the scheme and said. 'There are currently 414 households registered on the housing waiting list that have specified Welshpool as their preferential choice area – it is the third highest area for demand in the county. "We do face a shortage of land for development in Welshpool which is why I'm really pleased we have been able to work across the council to be able to identify this car park as a potential area for development.' The cost of transferring the car park from the council's highways, transport and recycling department to housing is £280,000. Cllr Dorrance also believed that youngsters who will eventually live at the completed development in the future could boost the Scout group's numbers. Former council leader and now cabinet member for economic development, Cllr James Gibson-Watt (Liberal Democrat) said: 'The creation of these houses will be a significant economic stimulus to Welshpool and help to fuel job gaps as hopefully it will attract people of working age to live in them." He added that the lack of available housing in Powys 'restricts the Labour market.'
Powys County Times
08-07-2025
- Powys County Times
Illegal vapes and cigarettes seized from Powys shop 'hides'
Police seized illegal cigarettes and vape products from "sophisticated hides" in three convenience stores across Powys in a multi-agency operation. An operation that targeted stores in Newtown, Welshpool, Llanymynech and Brecon saw illegal tobacco and vape products seized from three Powys shops on Wednesday, July 2. Police said sophisticated hides were found in the stores to conceal the illegal products, with some of them being operated by hidden electromagnets. Each was found to contain large amounts of suspected illegal cigarettes, hand rolling tobacco and vapes, police added. One of the stores was also licensed to sell alcohol and the retailed has now been reported to the licensing authority for review. A person with no right to work in the UK was also found serving at a shop by the team. Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for Legal and Regulatory Services, said: 'This is a very good example of collaborative working across several services to protect the local economy. The sale of illicit tobacco is linked to the commission of fraud, money laundering offences and duty evasion. 'We want to keep our communities safe from these illicit activities so that legitimate local businesses are not undermined.' The operation, hosted by Powys County Council, was conducted to support the national initiative known as Operation CeCe, a collaboration between Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs and National Trading Standards to prevent the sale of illegal tobacco. The Operation CeCe Wales Regional Investigation Team, Home Office Immigration Enforcement and Dyfed Powys Police Neighbourhood Policing Teams also supported the operation.
Powys County Times
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Royal Welsh Show urges visitors to have fun and take care
A safety campaign is encouraging visitors to 'have fun, take care and stay safe' during the Royal Welsh Show. The campaign will take place in and around Builth Wells during the week of the show and will include posters, banners and other messaging across licensed venues and public areas. Organised by the Builth Wells Events Safety Group, the campaign aims to reduce public risk and promote a safe environment through 'creative and humorous' messaging. Cllr Richard Church, Powys County Council's cabinet member for a safer Powys, said: "The Royal Welsh Show is a highlight in many people's calendars, and draws in tens of thousands of visitors to Builth Wells and the surrounding area every year. "Following the launch of the Have Fun, Take Care, Stay Safe campaign in 2022, it's great to see that it's returning for this year's show as a humorous way to communicate an important message for those in and around Builth Wells during Royal Welsh Show week. "Of course, we want our visitors to have a great time. "It's a social occasion and a perfect opportunity to meet up with those you may not have seen for a while, but please drink and behave responsibly and look after yourselves and your friends". Additional safety measures will include the Green Route safe walking path, a medical and wellbeing centre at Strand Hall operated by St John Ambulance Cymru, and a pop-up help point at The Groe run by Powys County Council's youth service. Street pastors and youth workers will also be on hand to offer welfare support late into the night. Visitors will have access to free mobile phone charging, water donated by Radnor Hills, and drug amnesty boxes at key entry points. Aled Rhys Jones, chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, said: "As we look ahead to the 2025 Royal Welsh Show, we're proud to continue our strong partnership with the Builth Wells Events Safety Group.
