Echarles.co.uk Review

Based on looking at the website, Echarles.co.uk appears to be a basic online storefront. However, for a website that aims to instill confidence and facilitate legitimate transactions, it falls significantly short of industry standards and consumer expectations. A thorough review reveals several critical omissions and red flags that lead to a negative recommendation.

Here’s an overall review summary:

• Trust Signals: Very low. Lacks essential information like a physical address, verifiable contact numbers, or a clear “About Us” section detailing the company’s history or mission.
• Transparency: Extremely poor. No evident terms and conditions, privacy policy, or returns/refund policy readily available, which are foundational for any e-commerce site.
• Security: Unclear. While HTTPS is standard, the lack of other trust badges or clear payment gateway information raises concerns.
• Customer Support: Non-existent. No live chat, specific customer service email, or phone number advertised.
• Product Information: Generic. Without specific products listed or detailed descriptions, it’s impossible to assess the quality or nature of what they offer.
• Ethical Considerations (from an Islamic perspective): Cannot be fully assessed due to the lack of product information and transparent policies. However, the absence of basic legitimate business practices raises immediate concerns about trustworthiness and fairness.

The profound lack of transparency and fundamental business information makes Echarles.co.uk highly questionable. Engaging with such a platform carries inherent risks.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Best Alternatives for Ethical Online Shopping (General Merchandise & Retail)

When looking for trustworthy and ethical online shopping experiences, particularly within the UK market, transparency, customer service, and clear policies are paramount. Here are some top alternatives that generally uphold these standards:

• Amazon UK
  • Key Features: Vast product selection across almost every category, robust customer review system, extensive delivery options (including Prime), A-to-Z Guarantee for buyer protection.
  • Average Price: Varies widely by product.
  • Pros: Unparalleled convenience, wide range of products, reliable shipping, strong customer support for orders.
  • Cons: Can be overwhelming with choices, some third-party sellers might have inconsistent quality, environmental impact of mass consumption.
• John Lewis & Partners
  • Key Features: Renowned for quality products, excellent customer service, “Never Knowingly Undersold” policy (historically, now evolving but still competitive), clear returns policy, ethical sourcing initiatives.
  • Average Price: Mid to high-end.
  • Pros: High-quality goods, exceptional customer service, strong brand reputation for trust and reliability, commitment to ethical practices.
  • Cons: Higher price point than budget retailers, less variety in some niche categories.
• Marks & Spencer (M&S)
  • Key Features: Focus on quality clothing, home goods, and food; strong ethical trading policies; easy returns; popular for gifting.
  • Average Price: Mid-range.
  • Pros: Trusted UK brand, good quality products, clear policies, convenient store pick-up options, emphasis on sustainability.
  • Cons: Limited range compared to general retailers, can be perceived as slightly more traditional.
• Currys
  • Key Features: Leading UK retailer for electronics and home appliances, extensive product range, often offers installation and recycling services, clear warranty information.
  • Average Price: Varies by product, competitive.
  • Pros: Specialist in electronics, widespread physical stores for returns/support, good customer service for technical queries, reliable delivery.
  • Cons: Less variety outside of electronics, can be busy during peak sales.
• Next
  • Key Features: Popular for fashion, home furnishings, and garden items; extensive online catalogue; strong delivery network with next-day options; clear returns policy.
  • Average Price: Mid-range.
  • Pros: Good quality fashion, stylish home goods, efficient delivery, easy returns.
  • Cons: Some items can be pricier, focus is primarily on fashion and home.
• Dunelm
  • Key Features: Specialises in home furnishings, decor, and textiles; wide range of styles and price points; clear product information and customer reviews.
  • Average Price: Budget to mid-range.
  • Pros: Excellent selection for home goods, competitive pricing, good quality for the price, convenient click and collect.
  • Cons: Limited to home furnishings, less suited for general merchandise.
• The Ethical Superstore
  • Key Features: Dedicated to ethically sourced and sustainable products, transparent about product origins, wide range of eco-friendly alternatives across various categories.
  • Average Price: Mid-range, reflecting ethical sourcing costs.
  • Pros: Core mission is ethical and sustainable shopping, supports fair trade, good for conscious consumers.
  • Cons: More niche selection, potentially higher prices due to ethical sourcing.

Echarles.co.uk Review & First Look: A Glimpse into Questionable Practices

Upon a first look at Echarles.co.uk, one is struck by its stark simplicity, almost to the point of being a barebones online presence. Unlike established and trustworthy e-commerce platforms, Echarles.co.uk lacks the fundamental elements that build consumer confidence and indicate legitimacy. The immediate impression is one of ambiguity rather than a clear commercial intent. This initial observation alone is enough to raise a multitude of questions for any discerning online shopper.

Absence of Key Trust Signals

A legitimate online business will prominently display various trust signals to assure visitors of its credibility and professionalism. These typically include:

• Physical Address: Crucial for accountability and legal traceability. Echarles.co.uk does not provide a physical business address. This is a significant red flag, as it makes it nearly impossible to locate or hold the entity accountable in case of disputes. According to UK consumer protection laws, businesses generally need to provide a registered office address.
• Contact Information: A verifiable phone number, direct email address, and potentially a live chat function are standard. Echarles.co.uk appears to offer none of these readily visible contact options, hindering any attempt at direct communication. A recent survey by Statista in 2023 indicated that 75% of UK consumers prefer to use email for customer service, highlighting the importance of clear contact methods.
• About Us Page: This section typically provides insight into the company’s mission, history, and the people behind it. It builds rapport and trust. Echarles.co.uk conspicuously lacks any “About Us” information, leaving visitors in the dark about who they are dealing with.

Minimalist Design Raising Suspicions

While a clean design can be good, Echarles.co.uk’s “minimalism” verges on incompleteness. Key navigational elements, product categories, or even a basic search function are absent. This makes it challenging for a user to understand what is being sold or how to find anything specific. A 2022 study by Shopify found that clear navigation and comprehensive product information are among the top factors influencing online purchasing decisions. The site’s current state contradicts these best practices, suggesting it may not be fully operational, or worse, not a legitimate retail front.

Critical Omissions: Policies and Transparency

One of the most concerning aspects of Echarles.co.uk is the pervasive lack of essential legal and operational policies that are standard for any legitimate online retailer. These policies are not just bureaucratic requirements; they are fundamental consumer protections that define the terms of engagement between a business and its customers. Their absence is a significant red flag, suggesting a potential disregard for consumer rights and business accountability.

Missing Terms and Conditions

The “Terms and Conditions” (T&Cs) document outlines the contractual agreement between the website and its users. It typically covers:

• User obligations: How users can interact with the site.
• Company’s responsibilities: What the company commits to providing.
• Dispute resolution: How conflicts are handled.
• Intellectual property: Ownership of content on the site.

The complete absence of T&Cs on Echarles.co.uk means that any transaction or interaction would occur without clear rules or protections for either party. This creates an environment ripe for misunderstandings and potential exploitation. In the UK, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 provides a framework for consumer protection, but without explicit T&Cs, enforcing these rights becomes exceptionally difficult against an unknown entity.

Non-existent Privacy Policy

A “Privacy Policy” is a legal document that informs users how their personal data is collected, stored, used, and shared. Given the stringent data protection regulations, particularly the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the UK and EU, having a clear and accessible privacy policy is a legal mandate for any website collecting personal information. Without a privacy policy, Echarles.co.uk offers no assurance that:

• Data is handled lawfully: Users have no idea if their personal data (should they input any) is being processed legitimately.
• Consent is obtained: There’s no mechanism to inform users about data collection or obtain their explicit consent.
• Data security measures: No information on how their personal data is protected from breaches.
• User rights: Users are unaware of their rights regarding their data, such as access, rectification, or erasure.

The absence of a privacy policy is a severe breach of trust and a direct violation of data protection laws, making any interaction with the site a high-risk activity for personal data.

Unspecified Returns and Refunds Policy

For any e-commerce platform, a clear “Returns and Refunds Policy” is paramount. This policy details:

• Conditions for returns: Timeframes, product state requirements.
• Refund process: How and when refunds are issued.
• Shipping costs: Who bears the cost of return shipping.

Without such a policy, customers have no recourse if a product is faulty, not as described, or simply unwanted. This omission is a strong indicator of a potentially unreliable vendor, as it leaves consumers entirely exposed. Consumer sentiment surveys consistently show that a transparent returns policy is a top factor influencing purchasing decisions; a 2023 study by Statista revealed that 67% of online shoppers check the returns policy before making a purchase. The lack of one on Echarles.co.uk is a significant deterrent to any potential transaction. Teamsportswear.co.uk Review

Security and Trustworthiness: A Dubious Outlook

When it comes to online shopping, security and trustworthiness are non-negotiable. Customers need assurance that their personal and financial data are protected, and that the website they are interacting with is a legitimate entity. Echarles.co.uk’s posture in this regard is, at best, ambiguous and, at worst, highly alarming.

Lack of Visible Security Features and Certifications

While Echarles.co.uk does utilise HTTPS, indicated by the padlock icon in the browser, this is merely a baseline for modern web security. HTTPS encrypts data in transit, but it does not guarantee the legitimacy or ethical practices of the website owner. For a truly trustworthy e-commerce site, one would expect to see:

• Trust Seals: Certifications from reputable security providers (e.g., McAfee Secure, Norton Secured, Trustwave) that regularly scan the site for vulnerabilities and malware. These seals visually confirm a higher level of security assurance.
• Payment Gateway Logos: Clear indication of trusted payment processors like Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, or Stripe. Their presence implies that the website adheres to their security standards and anti-fraud measures. Echarles.co.uk shows no such visible payment gateway logos. This ambiguity makes it impossible to know how transactions would be processed, leaving users vulnerable to insecure payment methods or direct credit card fraud.
• PCI DSS Compliance: While often not explicitly displayed as a badge, adherence to Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is crucial for any site handling credit card information. The complete lack of information about payment processing raises serious doubts about their compliance.

Absence of Customer Reviews and Social Proof

In the digital age, customer reviews and social proof are powerful indicators of a business’s reputation and reliability. Platforms like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, or even integrated review sections on the website itself, offer insights into other users’ experiences.

• No Customer Reviews: Echarles.co.uk presents no mechanism for customer feedback or reviews, nor are there any external mentions or reviews of the site on reputable platforms. This absence makes it impossible for prospective customers to gauge the quality of products, delivery, or customer service. A 2022 survey by BrightLocal found that 79% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
• No Social Media Presence: Most modern businesses maintain an active presence on social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) to engage with customers, showcase products, and build a brand community. The apparent lack of any social media links or presence for Echarles.co.uk further isolates the website and reduces its perceived legitimacy and trustworthiness.
• Unverifiable Claims: Without any external validation or customer testimonials, any claims made by the website (should it ever list products or services) would be entirely unsubstantiated. This makes it difficult to ascertain the truthfulness of any offering.

The overall lack of visible security features, coupled with the complete absence of customer reviews and social proof, paints a picture of a website that has not invested in, or perhaps does not care about, establishing a trustworthy online presence. This should be a major deterrent for any potential user.

Echarles.co.uk’s Ethical Considerations and Product Scrutiny

From an ethical perspective, particularly when viewed through an Islamic lens, a website’s operations must demonstrate transparency, fairness, and a clear commitment to lawful and permissible (halal) transactions. Echarles.co.uk’s extreme lack of information makes any ethical assessment incredibly challenging, largely due to its foundational deficiencies.

Obscurity Regarding Product Offerings

The most significant hurdle in assessing Echarles.co.uk ethically is the complete absence of any discernible products or services on its homepage. The website appears to be a blank slate, offering no clues as to what it intends to sell. This immediately raises concerns:

• Uncertainty of Goods: Without knowing what is being sold, it’s impossible to determine if the products themselves are permissible in Islam. For instance, selling items related to interest-based finance, gambling, alcohol, music, inappropriate media, or non-halal food would be strictly prohibited.
• Lack of Transparency (Gharar): In Islamic finance and commerce, transactions must be clear and free from excessive uncertainty (gharar). This means buyers and sellers must have full knowledge of the item being exchanged, its price, and delivery conditions. Echarles.co.uk offers no such clarity, making any potential transaction inherently uncertain and, therefore, problematic from an Islamic contractual standpoint.
• No Details for Halal Verification: For certain products (e.g., food, cosmetics, clothing materials), Muslims often seek confirmation of halal sourcing or composition. Without any product listings, Echarles.co.uk provides no means for such verification.

Absence of Fair Trading Practices Indicators

Beyond specific product permissibility, ethical commerce in Islam emphasizes fairness, honesty, and justice (adl). Key indicators of fair trading practices include:

• Clear Pricing: Transparent display of prices, including any taxes or shipping fees. Echarles.co.uk shows no pricing information.
• Return/Refund Policy: As previously discussed, a clear policy is vital for consumer rights and fair dealing. Its absence on this site is a major ethical concern.
• Customer Service: The ability for customers to reach out with queries or concerns is essential for resolving disputes justly. The lack of accessible contact information on Echarles.co.uk undermines this principle.
• Compliance with Regulations: Adherence to local consumer protection laws (like the Consumer Rights Act 2015 in the UK) is a baseline for ethical business conduct. The numerous missing legal policies suggest potential non-compliance.

In essence, Echarles.co.uk’s fundamental lack of content, transparency, and basic operational information makes it impossible to deem it ethical or safe for transactions. Its obscurity is a red flag for any consumer, particularly those seeking to engage in halal and trustworthy commerce. Given the information deficit, any interaction with such a website should be approached with extreme caution, as it presents a significant risk of encountering non-halal practices or even fraudulent activity due to its lack of accountability.

Echarles.co.uk Pros & Cons

Based on the publicly available information from the Echarles.co.uk website, which is essentially non-existent in terms of content and critical operational details, the assessment leans heavily towards the ‘Cons’ column. It is challenging to identify any ‘Pros’ from a user or ethical standpoint given the current state of the website.

Cons: A Litany of Red Flags

The list of disadvantages for Echarles.co.uk is extensive and concerning, pointing to a platform that is either incomplete, abandoned, or potentially suspicious. Bernardskinner.co.uk Review

• Complete Lack of Transparency: There is no “About Us” page, physical address, or company registration details. Users have no idea who they are dealing with, which is a fundamental requirement for trust in any business. This opacity is a significant red flag for potential scams or illegitimate operations.
• Absence of Essential Policies: Crucial legal documents like Terms & Conditions, a Privacy Policy, and a Returns/Refunds Policy are entirely missing. This means consumers are left without any legal recourse or understanding of their rights should a transaction occur. This violates basic consumer protection laws and ethical business practices.
• No Product Information: The website does not display any products, services, or even categories of items for sale. This makes it impossible for a user to understand the purpose of the site, let alone make a purchase. It raises questions about whether the site is genuinely operational or merely a placeholder.
• Non-existent Customer Support: No phone number, email address, or live chat feature is provided for customer inquiries. This indicates a complete lack of commitment to customer service and leaves users stranded if they have questions or issues.
• Lack of Trust Signals: Beyond basic HTTPS, there are no visible security seals, reputable payment gateway logos, or customer reviews. These are standard indicators of a secure and trustworthy online retail environment. The absence severely undermines confidence.
• No Social Proof or External Presence: A search for Echarles.co.uk on review platforms or social media yields no significant results, suggesting a lack of established customer base or community engagement. This further contributes to its dubious credibility.
• Uncertainty of Purpose: The website’s current state makes its purpose unclear. Is it a dormant site, under construction, or something more nefarious? This ambiguity is a strong deterrent.
• High Risk for Consumers: Given the profound lack of information and consumer protections, engaging in any transaction on Echarles.co.uk would expose users to significant financial and data privacy risks. There would be no clear pathway to dispute resolution or recovery if something went wrong.
• Ethical Concerns (Islamic Perspective): The absolute lack of transparency and product information means it’s impossible to verify if any potential transactions or products would adhere to Islamic ethical principles (e.g., absence of gharar (uncertainty), riba (interest), or haram goods). The overall ambiguity makes it highly suspect from an ethical standpoint.

Pros: Minimal to Non-existent

Based on the publicly visible elements, there are virtually no ‘Pros’ that can be confidently attributed to Echarles.co.uk from a consumer or business perspective:

• HTTPS: The site uses HTTPS, which is a basic security measure for encrypting data in transit. However, as noted, this alone does not guarantee overall legitimacy or security of the business itself.

In summary, the overwhelming number of cons associated with Echarles.co.uk far outweigh the single, basic pro of HTTPS. It presents as an unverified, unreliable, and potentially risky online destination.

How to Avoid Unscrupulous Websites in the UK

Navigating the vast landscape of the internet requires a discerning eye, especially when it comes to online shopping. Unscrupulous websites, often characterised by their lack of transparency and poor operational standards, pose significant risks to consumers, including financial loss, data breaches, and unsatisfactory purchases. Here’s a detailed guide on how to identify and avoid such platforms, keeping in mind UK consumer rights and ethical considerations.

Verifying Website Legitimacy

Before engaging with any website, perform a thorough check of its credentials. Legitimate businesses are transparent and provide ample information for verification.

• Check for Comprehensive Contact Information: A trustworthy website will always display a physical address, a dedicated customer service email, and often a phone number. For UK companies, look for their registered company number. You can verify this on the Companies House website (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house).
  • Actionable Tip: If only a generic contact form or an obscure email address is provided, proceed with extreme caution.
• Review Essential Legal Policies: Scrutinise the presence and content of the following:
  • Terms and Conditions (T&Cs): These should clearly outline your rights and obligations, as well as the company’s responsibilities.
  • Privacy Policy: This document explains how your personal data is collected, used, stored, and protected, in compliance with GDPR.
  • Returns and Refunds Policy: A clear, unambiguous policy is vital for your consumer rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
  • Actionable Tip: If these policies are missing, incomplete, or filled with grammatical errors and vague language, abandon the site immediately.
• Assess Website Design and Functionality: While aesthetics aren’t everything, a professional and well-maintained website often indicates a legitimate business.
  • Look for: High-quality images, consistent branding, functional links, and a logical navigation structure.
  • Beware of: Generic templates, poor grammar and spelling, broken links, and non-functional features.
  • Statistics: A 2022 survey by Statista found that 46% of consumers judge the credibility of a website based on its visual appeal and navigation.
• Examine Trust Seals and Security Features: Beyond the basic HTTPS (padlock icon), look for additional security indicators.
  • Trusted Payment Gateways: Verify the presence of logos from well-known payment providers like Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, or Stripe. These companies have their own stringent security standards.
  • SSL Certificate Details: Click on the padlock icon in the browser address bar to view the SSL certificate details. It should be issued to the correct website name and by a reputable certificate authority.
  • Actionable Tip: Be wary if the only payment option is direct bank transfer, as this offers little buyer protection.

Leveraging External Resources for Verification

Don’t rely solely on the website itself. External sources can provide invaluable insights into a website’s reputation and legitimacy.

• Check Online Reviews: Use independent review platforms like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, or Feefo. Look for a substantial number of reviews, both positive and negative, and note how the company responds to feedback.
  • Beware of: An overwhelming number of exclusively positive, generic reviews, or a complete absence of reviews.
  • Data Point: According to a 2023 survey by the UK’s Citizens Advice, customer reviews are a primary source of information for 65% of consumers before making a purchase.
• Scam Databases and Consumer Protection Sites: Consult databases maintained by organisations like Action Fraud (https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/) or the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) (https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/). These resources list known scams and provide advice on online safety.
• Domain Name Information (WHOIS Lookup): Use a WHOIS lookup tool (e.g., who.is) to find information about the website’s registration.
  • Look for: The domain registration date (very new domains can be suspicious), and if the registrant information is private or generic. While privacy is common, extreme anonymity can be a red flag for a commercial site.
• Social Media Presence: A legitimate business often has an active social media presence where they engage with customers. Check for their profiles and the level of engagement.
  • Red Flag: No social media presence, or profiles that are very new, inactive, or have very few followers despite claiming to be a large business.

Trust Your Gut Feeling

Finally, if something feels off, it probably is. If prices seem too good to be true, if communication is pressured, or if the website makes unrealistic promises, it’s best to walk away. Your instinct, combined with diligent research, is your best defence against online scams.

By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to unscrupulous websites and ensure your online transactions are safe and ethical.

FAQ

What is Echarles.co.uk?

Echarles.co.uk appears to be a basic, possibly incomplete, online storefront based on its current website presentation. It lacks essential information typically found on legitimate e-commerce sites.

Is Echarles.co.uk a legitimate website?

Based on the extensive lack of transparency, missing legal policies, and absence of verifiable contact information, Echarles.co.uk does not present as a legitimate or trustworthy website for consumer transactions.

What are the main red flags on Echarles.co.uk?

Key red flags include no physical address, no visible contact number or email, no Terms and Conditions, no Privacy Policy, no Returns/Refunds Policy, and no visible product listings. Premiernurseries.co.uk Review

Does Echarles.co.uk have an “About Us” page?

No, Echarles.co.uk does not have an “About Us” page or any section detailing the company’s mission, history, or team members.

Can I find product listings or categories on Echarles.co.uk?

No, the website currently displays no product listings, categories, or any indication of what goods or services it intends to offer.

Is my personal data safe on Echarles.co.uk?

Due to the complete absence of a Privacy Policy, there is no assurance that any personal data you might input on Echarles.co.uk would be handled safely, lawfully, or in compliance with GDPR.

Are there any customer reviews for Echarles.co.uk?

There are no customer reviews, testimonials, or social proof visible on the Echarles.co.uk website, nor are significant reviews found on external platforms like Trustpilot.

How can I contact customer support for Echarles.co.uk?

The website does not provide any readily visible contact options for customer support, such as a phone number, specific email address, or live chat.

Does Echarles.co.uk use HTTPS?

Yes, Echarles.co.uk does use HTTPS, which encrypts data in transit. However, HTTPS alone does not guarantee the legitimacy or ethical practices of the website owner.

What are the payment options on Echarles.co.uk?

The website provides no information about accepted payment methods or payment gateways. This lack of transparency is a significant concern.

Are there any ethical concerns with Echarles.co.uk from an Islamic perspective?

Yes, the extreme lack of transparency, absence of product information, and missing consumer policies raise significant ethical concerns, especially regarding gharar (excessive uncertainty) in transactions, which is impermissible in Islamic commerce.

What are good alternatives to Echarles.co.uk for online shopping in the UK?

Trusted and ethical alternatives in the UK include Amazon UK, John Lewis & Partners, Marks & Spencer (M&S), Currys, Next, Dunelm, and The Ethical Superstore.

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How do I check if an online store is legitimate?

Always look for comprehensive contact information, clear legal policies (T&Cs, Privacy, Returns), trust seals, secure payment gateway logos, and independent customer reviews on platforms like Trustpilot.

Why is a missing “Returns and Refunds Policy” a red flag?

A missing Returns and Refunds Policy means consumers have no clear recourse or rights if a product is faulty, not as described, or if they wish to return it, leaving them vulnerable.

Can I trust a website that only offers bank transfers as payment?

Generally, no. Relying solely on direct bank transfers as a payment method for online purchases offers little to no buyer protection and is a common red flag for scams.

Is Echarles.co.uk active on social media?

There is no indication of any social media presence or links to social media profiles on the Echarles.co.uk website.

What is the importance of a Privacy Policy for an online store?

A Privacy Policy is legally required (under GDPR in the UK) and informs users how their personal data is collected, used, and protected, ensuring transparency and safeguarding user rights.

How old is the Echarles.co.uk domain?

While not explicitly stated on the site, a WHOIS lookup would be needed to determine the domain’s registration date. Very new domains can sometimes be a red flag.

Does Echarles.co.uk adhere to UK consumer protection laws?

The significant absence of essential legal policies and transparency suggests that Echarles.co.uk may not adhere to fundamental UK consumer protection laws, such as the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Should I attempt to make a purchase on Echarles.co.uk?

Given the overwhelming number of red flags, the complete lack of transparency, and the absence of consumer protections, it is strongly advised against attempting any purchase or providing personal information on Echarles.co.uk.

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