McGrigor: “Don’t ignore irresponsible fireworks use”

Released – 27th October 2005

MSP Jamie McGrigor has called for the strict enforcement of rules regarding the sale and use of fireworks.

Around 1,000 people are hospitalised every year in Scotland, with 5% of cases leading to hospital stays of a night or more. The Conservative MSP urged the public to contact the police when fireworks were being used dangerously in their area.

Jamie McGrigor said "Fireworks can provide fantastic entertainment for families and children, providing exciting, and if properly organised, safe fun for all.

“However, it seems some people are intent on making Bonfire Night lasts for weeks, causing untold misery to some people and pets alike with noise and anti-social behaviour throughout the night.

“The public, along with Northern Constabulary and retailers, can work together to ensure that fireworks are enjoyed safely in the Highlands and Islands and to help reduce the around one thousand people per year taken to hospital in Scotland.

The amended Fireworks Regulations of 2004 banned the sale of air bombs, mini-rockets and bangers, whilst placing stricter controls on rockets. It is also illegal to sell fireworks to people under the age of eighteen.

Mr McGrigor continued "The laws already exist to prosecute people for breaking the law with fireworks, with fines of up to £5000 for those convicted of throwing or setting off fireworks in a public place and with those caught using fireworks to cause unnecessary suffering to animals facing substantial fines as well as imprisonment of up to six months.

"We must deter the kind of irresponsible and dangerous use of fireworks that seems to have been on the increase in recent years”.

McGrigor concerned as crime rises 13% in Orkney

Released – 26th October 2005

Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie McGrigor has hit out at the Scottish Executive after new figures revealed huge increases in the number of crimes committed across the region last year.

The Tory MSP was responding to the release of the Recorded Crime in Scotland figures for 2004/05 which showed the number of crimes recorded in the Northern Police area had increased by 8% between 2003/04 and 2004/05, with crime up 13% in Orkney.

Jamie McGrigor said “The fact that 76% of cases recorded were cleared up is testament to the hard work of Orkney’s Northern Constabulary officers.

“However, with Fireraising and vandalism up 43% and the total number of crimes up nearly 13% from 509 cases in 2003 to 574 in 2004/05, these are worrying figures

“The Scottish Executive seems keen to lay the blame for these dramatic increases with their new method of recording cases but this just suggests that they are more interested in damage limitation than on dealing with crime in the Highlands and Islands.

“The Executive should concentrate on providing our local Police with the support they need to continue to do their dedicated work of trying to make communities across the Highlands and Islands safer”.