Published: Wednesday, 4th June, 2008 12:00pm

Advertiser"s petition reaches parliament

by Elaine Birse

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CLACKMANNANSHIRE Council is one of three Scottish local authorities leading the way in the campaign to outlaw looped blind cords.

Gordon Banks MP was expected to present an Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser petition on the subject to Parliament at the close of day yesterday (Wednesday).

He continues to pursue the issue in London and amendments to the European standard for the production of looped blind cords are due to be ratified this month.

But instead of waiting for an official change in the manufacturing standard by Westminster, three councils have imposed their own ban.

Clackmannanshire Council leader Janet Cadenhead told the Advertiser that school inspectors will visit all schools and nurseries over the next two weeks to ensure that looped blind cords are cut, or out of children"s grasp.

Meanwhile, further north, Orkney and Shetland Council has advised all staff about the hazards of looped cords and issued guidance on cutting the cords and making them safe for young children in all of their premises.

They have also ensured that the purchase and installation of loop blind cords is 'avoided'.

Renfrewshire Council"s Building Services also plan to cut the cords or reduce their length in all their properties.

In February two-year-old Muireann McLaughlin died after she became entangled in a looped blind cord.

Since then the Advertiser, backed by the McLaughlin family, has been campaigning to ban the production of looped cords for blinds and curtains.

Of Scotland"s 32 local authorities contacted by the Advertiser, 10 have so far responded to the newspaperbacking the campaign.