Mountain Ash Studio Owner Shocked After Trading Standards Visit Over West Ham Photo
Wayne Hankins, a 71-year-old business owner of Mountain Ash Studio, located in Rhondda Cynon Taf, was left in disbelief after Trading Standards paid him a visit following a rather unusual complaint. Hankins, who has been running his photography studio for nearly four decades, was reported to Trading Standards by a member of the public for displaying a photograph in his studio window featuring a West Ham logo.
The photo that sparked the controversy was of Hankins’ grandson, Zayd, donning a West Ham kit. According to Hankins, the Trading Standards officer who visited his studio on Tuesday, April 15, informed him that he was not permitted to display the photo without prior permission from West Ham. Hankins expressed his shock at the incident, stating, “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.”
A lifelong West Ham fan, Hankins took it upon himself to reach out to the Premier League club directly. In a response from the supporter services at West Ham, they assured Hankins that there was no objection to him displaying the photo of his grandson in his studio window since he wasn’t using the club’s crest for commercial purposes.
Following the incident, Hankins revealed that he believes he knows who reported him, as another business in Mountain Ash town had faced similar issues. However, Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Trading Standards team confirmed that no further action would be taken regarding the complaint.
Despite the initial shock and confusion, Hankins found a silver lining as the incident garnered significant attention on social media. Many people reached out to show their support and condemn the unusual complaint. One commenter expressed disbelief, stating, “I still can’t believe that someone would stoop so low!” While another individual encouraged Hankins to continue displaying the photo, calling it “absolutely shocking.”
Additionally, Hankins mentioned that he also has a photo of Welsh rugby international Bryonie King in his window, featuring the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) logo. As a precaution, he has covered up the WRU logo pending confirmation that it is acceptable to display it. Hankins expressed his willingness to comply with any regulations while waiting for a response from the WRU.
In response to the incident, a Rhondda Cynon Taf Council spokesperson stated that the Trading Standards team had investigated the matter following a public complaint. The council confirmed that the business owner had been advised accordingly, and no further action was deemed necessary at this time.
The ordeal has shed light on the challenges faced by small business owners due to unexpected complaints and regulatory measures. While Hankins remains vigilant about the content displayed in his studio window, he continues to receive support from the community and hopes to move past this incident positively.