Dangerous toys seized from markets in Wellingborough

Northamptonshire County Council’s trading standards team is urging shoppers to be watchful when buying festive toys and decorations after the seizure last week.

More than 500 wooden trains and carriages were found to have easily detachable wheels which pose a choking risk to children under three, while 49 battery-operated toy dogs and cats were confiscated after being found to have poor or missing labelling, easily-accessible batteries and small detachable parts.

County council cabinet member for public protection, strategic infrastructure and economic growth Cllr André Gonzalez de Savage said: “This week is National Consumer Week, so there isn’t a better time to remind people to be sensible shoppers.

“We want people to enjoy the festive season and not be tempted by cheap seasonal offers, so we’re offering some basic consumer advice to help people make safe purchases.

“Shoppers need to be sure that if they’re buying children’s toys, they comply with safety regulations and that Christmas decorations do not pose a fire hazard.

“Anyone who would like more information about safety regulations can find out more at www.citizensadvice.org.uk.”

Trading standards officers are also warning consumers to be vigilant against poorly constructed electrically unsafe Christmas decorations.

The warning comes after examples of potentially unsafe items, including fairy lights that had melted or caught fire in customers’ homes having been found to be inadequately electrically insulated, raising the risk of electric shock, have been discovered and removed from sale in recent years.

Trading standards have the following advice for Christmas shoppers:

- Make sure toys are labelled with a CE mark and the name and address of the manufacturer or importer

- If the toy is for a small child, look for small parts that might come off and represent a choking hazard

- Plug-in fairy lights should also have a CE mark and include clear instructions for use

- If possible examine lights prior to purchase for signs of shoddy or poor construction

Anyone who has concerns about a toy or electrical item they have purchased or seen on sale can contact trading standards by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.

EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said the toys were seized from Christmas markets, when it was in fact both a Christmas market and a general market. This was based on information supplied by the county council.