Danger toys are targeted (From Penarth Times)

Danger toys are targeted

AN ALERT about dangerous toys has been issued by Vale Trading Standards officers.

They could choke or cut children, and in some cases the toys have been known to smoke or melt.

Trading Standards are particularly concerned about street traders selling shoddy battery-operated toys, shaped like animals or Santa.

Last year, Trading Standards in the Vale received a number of reports of defective goods sold by unscrupulous street sellers, and are expecting a new wave of complaints in the run-up to Christmas.

Tests carried out showed that small parts can easily become detached from these toys, exposing sharp edges and presenting a choking hazard, and in some cases the moving figures became very hot, giving out smoke or melting.

Spokeswoman Rebecca Hinton said: "We are fully aware of the dangers presented by battery-operated toys of this sort, and will be looking out for such items while carrying out routine inspections on traders.

"However, to be on the safe side, we are warning parents not to buy toys from travelling salesman or street peddlers and to destroy any such toys that are given to their children."