FALKIRK Council’s trading standards team has been recognised for its work in intercepting unsafe goods intended for the Scottish marketplace coming through the port of Grangemouth.
It comes after the team targeted 30 containers over a six-week period, resulting in 3,600 telescopic ladders being seized, as well as 300 step ladders, and 500 cordless drills.
Officers worked in partnership with a number of other agencies to lead the intelligence-based approach to intercepting the faulty, illegal, and ‘potentially dangerous’ goods.
The team was announced as runner up in the Alternative Activities for Maritime Ports award by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), which forms part of a UK Government scheme aimed at detecting and deterring unsafe imports.
Councillor Stacey Devine, spokesperson for public protection at Falkirk Council, said, “Over 95% of the imports targeted by trading standards were intended for the Scottish marketplace. The work that Falkirk Council’s Trading Standards team carries at Grangemouth port is really important for protecting the public and ensuring unsafe goods are detained and destroyed. The fact that their contribution has been nationally recognised demonstrates the value of this work.”
Kirstie Crosson, trading standards co-ordinator at Falkirk Council, added, “These products did not meet UK safety standards and were considered unsafe to anyone who potentially used them. We seized telescopic and step ladders that would not take their maximum weight and kick scooters, including children’s, where the handles contained an excessive amount of chemicals that may harm the health of children, causing possible damage to their reproductive system. We carry out regular inspections in Grangemouth and will continue to work with agencies across the UK to protect consumers.”
