Shop fined for selling dangerous toys

11:35am Thursday 15th May 2008

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A SHOP has been fined for selling dangerous toys.

Poundland, in Forest Walk, Halton Lea, Runcorn, was ordered to pay £4,000 at Runcorn Magistrates Court on Monday after pleading guilty to selling potentially hazardous wooden toy puzzles without safety warnings.

The store admitted failing to place safety warnings on four toys, which were unsuitable for children under 36 months old.

The court heard how the puzzles contained small parts, which could cause a toddler to choke if consumed.

The court was told Poundland was advised by safety testers in Hong Kong to place warnings on the toys.

Poundland was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £2,000 costs.

The store was also cautioned for having a further 45 of the puzzles on sale without warnings.

John Downes, Halton Council's consumer protection manager, said: "We give high priority to the safety of goods on sale to our residents and through the diligence of our officers these toys were removed from sale to ensure that no-one was injured.

"I would urge all parents to check toys and their labels carefully to ensure they are suitable before giving them to children."