Too many vape shops on high street, shoppers claim

Shoppers have claimed there are too many vape stores on a town's high street after action was taken against two stocking illegal products.

Simba's Shop and Cobra Vape Shop in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, were recently handed closure orders after counterfeit items were discovered at both outlets.

While the efforts to tackle illicit trading were welcomed by town centre visitors and traders, some commented on the number of vape shops on the high street.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council said it would "always put law-abiding residents and legitimate local businesses first".

Chris Lees said she thought there were "far too many" vape shops in the area.

"The illegal vapes are concerning because you don't know what country they're coming from and they could contain anything," she added.

"I think the councils ought to be taking action. You never know what these shops are selling and some of them sell other things."

Rosemary Waghorn said she had lived in the town for years, adding: "It's sad how it's gone. I've started going to Leek."

Chris Peat welcomed the action the council had taken, while claiming "every other shop" on the high street was a vape store or barbers.

"When [illegal vape sellers'] stock is taken they moan, but they all know they're not supposed to be selling it. If you play with fire, you get burnt," he added.

However, Ian Butt said there were not as many outlets selling vapes as there were in other places.

He said: "When I come into Newcastle town centre it's a nice town and it seems to be on the up."

Mohammed Ali, who works at The Vape Village, said council action to tackle illegal sales was a good thing.

He added: "When these shops open it affects us. When they close we get customers coming here and we can prevent under-age sales."

In July, Simba's was ordered to close down for three months after Trading Standards found it was stocking illegal tobacco and vapes, while staff were also caught serving under-age customers.

Cobra Vape Shop was also handed a three-month closure order after 71 illegal vapes with an estimated value of £923 were seized.

Jonathan Gullis, leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, warned traders that if they broke the law, the authority would "come after you".

"These businesses are not only putting potentially dangerous products into our communities, they are undercutting the decent, law-abiding traders who work hard, follow the rules and contribute positively to our town," he added.

"We will always put law-abiding residents and legitimate local businesses first."

Anthony Screen, of Staffordshire County Council, said the authority was taking "robust action" against those selling illicit goods.

"Illegal tobacco and non-compliant vapes can pose serious risks to consumers, particularly young people, and are often linked to wider unlawful activity," he said.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.