Protect Our Children
£2 extra could keep a child safe from fire
INTERNATIONAL support for The Northern Echo's Protect our Children campaign has strengthened calls for the law to be changed.
In only five days, the petition has received almost 200 signatures, from as far afield as Estonia, Belgium and Holland, as well as locations throughout the United Kingdom.
The petition was launched last week after toddler Daniel Mitchard-Harrison, from North Yorkshire, was scarred for life when his pyjamas caught fire.
It is hoped that the petition will lead to the closure of a legal loophole that means children's pyjamas are exempt from regulations requiring clothing to be flame-resistant.
Andrew Mitchard, Daniel's grandfather, lives in Dalton, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire.
Last night, he said: "It is a fantastic response but we still need more names on the petition.
"The only way we will get this law changed is if we act en masse."
It is believed that two Estonians signed the petition as a consequence of what has been described as a horrific year for house fires in the country.
Since January, 40 people have died in house fires in Estonia, a frightening statistic considering the total population is only 1.4 million.
Crucial to the campaign has been the support of North-East MEP Stephen Hughes, who has used his contacts in the European Parliament to raise awareness of the issue across the continent.
Another person to sign the petition was Stephen Colley, who is the managing director of the only UK firm to specialise in flame-retardant finishes for clothing.
Mr Colley, of Bridlington-based Specialist Textile Processing, said: "It's frustrating knowing that we can do something about this problem, which is by no means a new one.
"Every pair of pyjamas in the country could be processed by us to make them flame-retardant.
"The problem is that retailers are concerned about their margins and would rather sell a £5 polyester pyjamas with a picture of a Disney character on than a 100 per cent cotton flame- retardant pair.
"But the cost of the process is only £2 and we should all be prepared to spend a little extra to ensure the safety of our children."
Two-year-old Daniel returned home on Friday after five-weeks in hospital.
The youngster suffered horrific burns after the synthetic pyjamas he was wearing were set ablaze by a spark from a wood-burner.
Linda McAven, MEP for Yorkshire, who has also signed the petition, said: "I find it incredible that just a spark could do such damage.
"Most parents do seem to assume that there are rules in place on flame retardant clothing and I for one did not realise pyjamas are exempt from the standards. We urgently need to raise awareness."
9:55am Monday 16th April 2007
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