Published: Wednesday, 28th May, 2008 12:00pm

'Ban loop cords' petition is to be presented in Westminster

by Elaine Birse

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GORDON BANKS MP will present the Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser petition calling for a ban in the production of looped blind and curtain cords to Parliament on Wednesday.

The 3500-name petition was given to the Ochil & South Perthshire MP last month by the McLaughlin family at a special charity ceilidh organised in memory of toddler Muireann.

Mr Banks will also make an appearance on GMTV on 4 June - the same morning he will present the petition at Westminster.

Muireann McLaughlin (2) died in February after becoming entangled in a looped blind cord.

The Advertiser launched a campaign shortly after the tragic accident to outlaw the production of looped cords in blind and curtain manufacturing.

Muireann"s parents, Angus and Katie, fully backed the campaign which spread worldwide through an online petition on the Advertiser website.

Local authorities right across Scotland have also pledged their support and have highlighted the dangers the household appliances pose.

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

In countries such as Canada, the USA and Australia concerns over looped cords have already been addressed, but in Britain they continue to be manufactured.

Amendments to the European standard for the production of looped blind cords are due to be ratified in June.