Council admits chief inspector of weights and measures was not properly qualified

Cheshire East Council has admitted that its chief inspector of weights and measures did not have a required qualification for the job.

The case came to light after chief inspector Stephanie Cordon ordered the seizure of helmets from a motorcycle accessories shop, which then made a legal challenge.

Acting deputy chief executive Frank Jordan said: “We have recognised that in the past errors were made in the appointment of a chief inspector of weights and measures…the council has recognised the legal requirement for its chief inspector of weights and measures to hold the appropriate qualification. The council does have a suitably-qualified person to perform this role.”

He said residents and businesses need not be concerned about any adverse impact “due to this previous oversight”, and that decisions taken during this period “remain valid and have full legal effect”.

Cheshire East was now confident it had robust processes in place to check that both staff and new applicants for statutory roles hold the required qualifications.

Mr Jordan added: “We cannot comment in more detail regarding the recruitment process for the head of communities, nor discussions that took place between any officers regarding that appointment.”

Mark Smulian