County    

Last updated Friday 17th August 2007

Mattel Toy Re-call

Toy giant Mattel has initiated an international recall of many of its products due to safety concerns.  Not all affected products have been sold in the UK but many Polly Pocket Playsets, Doggie Daycare Playsets and Batman have been recalled.  These toys have strong magnet components which may become detached and pose a choking hazard to children.  The Barbie and Tanner scooper accessory toy is also included in this recall.

The company have also recalled a “Sarge” die cast car toy due to concerns over excessive lead in the paint.  “Sarge” was featured in the Pixar feature film “Cars”. 

If your child has any of the toys recalled you are advised to stop your children playing with them immediately and seek further advice.  The Mattel website fully lists all toys recalled www.service.mattel.com/uk.  The site also advises parents on what to do next if they own a toy listed.  Mattel have also set up a helpline for concerned consumers on 01628 500303.

Devon County Council Trading Standards Service will be visiting stores affected in the region to ensure that affected stocks have been taken from sale.  We would urge parents and carers to inspect their children’s toys regularly for signs of wear or breakages.  Such damaged toys may pose choking hazards or risk of injury from sharp edges.

For further advice contact  Consumer Direct South West on 0845 040506.

Enforcement of 20mph Speed Limits
 Ottery St Mary member Roger Giles and myself are calling for the Government to address the anomaly regarding the Police who at present are not prepared to enforce 20mph speed limits unless physical calming measures (engineering) are in place. 
We have both succeeded in getting 20mph zones implemented in our electoral divisions adjacent to schools which is in line with the recommendations of Government in promoting road safety, however some drivers aware of the Police stance on enforcing the lower limit continue to drive at higher speeds and in doing so are putting lives in danger. 
It would be impractical and have an enormous drain on the highways budget to put traffic calming measures such as speed cushions and build outs along every stretch of 20mph zones. The police enforce both 30mph and 40mph speed limits within built up areas and both myself and Roger believe that the same should apply to the 20mph speed limit. 
The County Council acknowledge that speed restrictions are an important element in achieving improved road safety and 20mph limits especially in the vicinity of schools are a particularly effective measure of achieving even greater road safety, however we believe it is important that the Police should play their part in enforcing them. 
Our Notice of Motion which we took to the County Council meeting on the 19th July 07 has now been referred to the Executive Committee. We are calling for the Council to make representations to the Government through the LGA (Local Government Association) requesting that this anomaly by the Police be addressed.
Update 31st July The Executive agreed to a full report coming to their next meeting on 4th September. 


Sidford The solar powered speed visor in Church Street that I requested is now in situ and is already to be seen helping reduce and enforce the speed of vehicles heading into Sidford from the east on the A3052. 

Byes Cycle Track Planning permission for Phase 2 from Sidford to Sid Park Road with a link to Fortescue has been granted by the County Council's Development Control Committee. There are a few issues that need to be addressed prior to commencement of work on the track. The Environment Agency were concerned about the damage that would be caused to the bank of the Woolbrook if a separate bridge was provided for cyclists and therefore a wider bridge will be provided for both walkers and cyclists.