Ottaway secures commitment on lead theft issue
Richard Ottaway, Conservative MP for Croydon South, has secured a commitment from the Shadow Home Secretary on the serious issue of lead theft. Richard has suggested that amendments be made to the current legislation which would mean that anyone selling scrap metal has to prove their identification (by photographic ID) and the person buying can only make payment by cheque after the metal sold has been photographed.
Richard said:
“I have for some considerable time been lobbying the Government to act to address the serious issue of the loss of lead and other metals from buildings. I have proposed amendments to the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964, which are supported by the church and a leading insurer, who are all too often left paying out considerable sums on expensive repairs.
“Whilst I am aware that the Government will be engaging with a working group, which has been set up by the Association of Chief Police Officers, to look into this problem, I am disappointed with the lack of any visible activity to clampdown on this ongoing issue. Only last week, we heard that St Peter’s School in South Croydon had had its roof ripped off by brazen thieves and is having to make do with a tarpaulin cover.
“I am therefore particularly pleased to have received a written commitment from Chris Grayling MP, Shadow Home Secretary, to take a close look at this serious issue if the Conservatives are returned to government after the election.”
|
