Garden centre fined over fire-risk stock

TRADING STANDARDS officials have issued a stark warning to manufacturers to ensure their goods do not breach health and safety regulations after a firm supplying a Yorkshire garden centre was fined thousands of pounds.

Rosewood Pet Products, which is based at Telford, Shropshire, was charged with supplying cushions to Coletta and Tyson garden centre in Woodmansey, East Yorkshire, that failed to meet safety requirements as tests revealed they could easily catch fire.

The company was also charged with failing to comply with fire safety regulations as the cushions did not display permanent labelling.

Director Mark Bolland appeared on behalf of the company at Beverley Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to both offences. The firm was fined £15,000 for each offence, and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £2,651.23 and a victim surcharge of £70. East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s trading standards manager, Colin Briggs, left, said: “The high level of the fine sends a very clear message that consumer and fire safety are being taken very seriously.” Rosewood Pet Products was fined £15,000 for each offence, must pay prosecution costs of £2,651.23 and a victim surcharge of £70, giving a total of £32,721.32. The charges were brought after trading standards officers visited the garden centre and sent the cushions away for testing.