TRADING Standards officers have described as "alarming" the results of an inspection that found a quarter of the Worcestershire's weighbridges were inaccurate.

They were put out of use until they were repaired and re-tested - and are all now operational again.

Eleven weighbridges were tested in the survey, including 11 that were open to the public.

In addition, undercover test weightings of a vehicle at the public sites over a three-day period revealed three weighings to be carried out by uncertificated weighbridge operators.

There were a further five weighings where the ticket given to the driver lacked vital information.

"Although we check weighbridges for accuracy once a year, this project was wider so as to cover the entire weighing process," said enforcement officer Laura Fisher.

"Traders rely on equipment being accurate in order that a correct quantity of goods is delivered to the consumer."

Officers are set to report their findings to the National Weights and Measures Laboratory for their consideration in the proposed review of guidance notes.

For more information on your rights, visit www.worcestershire.

gov.uk/tradingstandards or call 01905 765373.