- 18/06/2013
- Posted by: Joyce Watson MS
- Categories: Feature, Media
A CAMPAIGN launched by the parents of tragic Meg Burgess to stop deaths by collapsing walls is to be highlighted in Cardiff today (Tuesday).
A cross-party group of AMs is set to discuss how tighter building regulations in Wales could help drive out “cowboys” and even save lives.
Three-year-old Meg was walking to her Prestatyn home with mum Lindsay and baby brother Wilson when a five-foot wall collapsed on her.
Along with Meg’s dad Peter, Lindsay launched Meg’s Campaign to licence the building trade and prevent further tragedies.
Richard Jenkins, Wales Director for the Federation of Master Builders (FMB Cymru) is set to call for improved regulation of the domestic building industry during the hearing.
He said: “Four years ago ,Meg Burgess was instantly killed when a wall, built and designed by a builder in Wales, collapsed as she walked on a public highway.
“Tragedies like this could be avoided with improved regulation, as currently anyone can set themselves up as a ‘builder’ and make structural change to domestic properties.
“The commercial construction sector is well served by mainly Health & Safety guided initiatives.
“FMB Cymru is in favour of a protocol being developed that will end the absurd reality that builders working in the domestic sector are able to freely work with no licensing or assessment framework.
Joyce Watson AM, chair of the Cross Party Group, said: “Cowboy builders undercut reputable tradespeople , undermine consumer confidence, wreck property and ruin lives.
“They give a bad name to an industry that is overwhelmingly full of hard-working, trustworthy professionals. That is why I am committed to finding any way that makes it harder for rogue traders to operate here in Wales.”
Source: http://www.newsnorthwales.co.uk/news/123781/campaign-launched-after-prestatyn-toddler-s-death-reaches-cardiff-lawmakers.aspx
