29.3.2000

Davey wins head lice battle

Local MP, Edward Davey MP received confirmation today that the battle against nits in the Borough being waged by a specialist voluntary organisation was going to get the support of the Government.

Community Action Against Parasites, which promotes the detection and control of head lice is likely to be supported with further grants.

Edward contacted the Minister, after receiving reports from concerned parents and schools that the nits epidemic in the Borough was getting worse. They were further concerned when they learned that funding maybe withdrawn for the organisation, so Edward Davey wrote to the Minister asking for a firmer pledge of support to be made.

Commenting on the Minister's change of heart, Edward Davey said, "From my recent visits to local schools, there is undoubtedly a widespread school nits problem in Kingston at the moment. As the number of school nurses has been cut in recent years, parents have had to become almost self reliant."

"When I heard that a key advice service. However, in this oasis of basic advice, Community Hygiene Concern, has been helping parents to protect themselves and families from this growing nuisance. Therefore, given the cuts already made to other healthcare services, it was vital that this organisation was supported with financial help."

"It will come as no surprise that the Minister has had a change of heart and decided to look sympathetically at the situation once again. I am confident that my representations have made the Government finally see the light."