THURROCK Council's Trading Standards Ports Team has seized a shipment of more than 550 unsafe step stools from cargo entering the Port of Tilbury.

The team intercepted the consignment containing 600 step stools during a routine safety inspection. The stools, which were imported to be sold on online marketplaces, were held while a sample was taken and sent for independent testing.

A strength test was performed by the Ladder Association in partnership with the council, based on the safety standard designed to ensure personal safety. The plastic step stools failed and were described by the association as one of the worst examples they had seen.

During testing, the product ruptured after six seconds when a force of 200 newtons was applied. All step stools should be able to bear 150kg of weight.

The consignment will now be destroyed. The council's Trading Standards Ports Team also contacted the online marketplace which has taken down the product so that current and future stock cannot be sold or put consumers at risk.

Cllr Victoria Holloway, Cabinet Member for Place and the Environment, said: "Our Trading Standards Ports Team works hard to ensure that consumer goods being brought through our ports comply with safety legislation.

"Thanks to their vigilant checks, these stools were prevented from being sold in the UK. The team continue to prevent other harmful goods from being sold ahead of Christmas, including unsafe electrical items, cosmetics containing banned ingredients and unsafe toys.

"Without these routine checks, unsafe and dangerous products would continue to be brought into the UK and sold to consumers, putting them at risk of harm."