Published: Wednesday, 9th April, 2008 12:00pm

MP seeks tighter safety standards

by Elaine Birse

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PROPOSED changes to the European manufacturing standard of blind cords have been branded 'unsatisfactory' by Gordon Banks.

The Ochil & South Perthshire MP made the remark after he met with the Innovation Minister Ian Pearson to review the proposals that are due to be ratified in June.

The meeting followed on from Mr Banks" Westminster debate on the production of looped cords last month.

He called for the UK Government to better regulate the blind industry and tighten up safety on cords.

The Alloa Advertiser is currently leading the campaign to abolish looped cords in blinds and curtains after the death of Menstrie toddler Muireann McLaughlin.

It is estimated that there are two accidents involving children and blind cords in the UK every year.

Supporters could add their name to an online petition on the Advertiser website.

The online petition has now been withdrawn and anyone who has a hard copy of the petition should hand it in to the Advertiser"s Drysdale Street office by close of Friday 18 April.

Mr Banks said, 'I was pleased that the Minister invited me to come along and look at what new proposals were being developed with regard to blind cord safety in partnership with our European neighbours.

'Whilst I was not fully satisfied with the outcomes being put through currently, I was able to suggest some alternatives to the Minister and his advisers and I was assured that a paper would be presented at the next pan-European meeting to take these issues further.

'We need a system where safety is considered at the design stage, not as an afterthought. Relying on people to tie back their cords or to wrap them around hooks in not a satisfactory situation.

'This change must be universal so that reputable companies do not find themselves priced out of the market by companies not adhering to the changes.

'A voluntary system of self regulation wouldn"t be universal and would not eradicate these needless deaths.

'I will continue to monitor this situation to ensure that window blind cords are as safe as they can be.'

Meanwhile the McLaughlin family are organising various charity events to celebrate the life of Muireann.

On 25 April a ceilidh will be held in Broomhall Castle in partnership with owners Ty and Liz Crossley and all money raised will go towards the Make a Wish Foundation, British Heart Foundation and Menstrie Nursery which has asked to place a small memorial to Muireann in the school garden.

Muireann"s dad Angus will play with his band Canterach and the evening will begin at 7pm till midnight.

Tickets are £25 (which includes a glass of champagne on arrival and a buffet) and are available from Broomhall on 01259 763360.

The McLaughlin family said, 'We would like to thank everyone who has shown support for the campaign to ban looped cords and ask them to continue to do so, the campaign is far from over.

'We would also like to thank the people of Menstrie and the wider community for all the kindness and support that they have shown us. Small kindnesses have meant such a lot to all of the family at this awful time.

'It is our hope that we will be able to give something back by inviting people to a ceilidh to celebrate Muireann"s life and at the same time raise money for local charities such as Menstrie Nursery garden and Menstrie Gala fund'.