Businesses and market traders in Street and Glastonbury are being warned to keep their guard up after reports of counterfeit bank notes being used in the area.

The warning urges anyone handling cash to be especially vigilant with £20 and £50 notes, with traders, shop staff and other businesses told to carry out quick checks before accepting payment.

People are being advised to check that the hologram changes between words, feel for raised print, look for the see-through windows on polymer notes and compare any suspect note with one they know is genuine.

Anyone unsure about a note is being told not to accept it and to report concerns to police or their bank.

For independent businesses and stallholders, even one fake note can mean being left out of pocket. The warning is aimed at helping protect local traders, local shops and the wider community in Street and Glastonbury.

The alert comes as businesses across the area continue to deal with pressures on the high street, with cash-handling traders being asked to stay sharp and report suspicious notes rather than passing them on.

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