'Drive knives from our streets' says council chairman (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

'Drive knives from our streets' says council chairman

7:00am Saturday 6th October 2012 in News

THE chairman of Tendring Council says everything possible must be done to drive knives from our streets.

Danny Mayzes has joined other leading members of the community in giving his backing to our LIVES NOT KNIVES campaign.

“While it is true that Tendring is still one of the safest places to live in Essex there have been a number of serious incidents recently – some of which have had tragic consequences,” he said.

“I feel deeply for the victims' families and friends and I back any initiative which has, at its very heart, the aim to drive knives off the streets of our district.

“Action has been taken by the relevant authorities but for whatever reason it has not worked – as can be seen from the deaths and injuries which have taken place over the past months in Tendring, including in my own ward.

“The safety of all our residents and visitors is of paramount importance to us and it is important that we get behind every effort to raise awareness and educate people over the dangers of carrying knives.”

He added: “Whilst it is often not young people involved in these crimes it is vital that we get to them as early as possible and get the message across carrying a knife is not acceptable and that it can lead to tragedy.

“Unfortunately students at Tendring Technology College have first-hand knowledge of the consequences of knives as one of their popular students, Jay Whiston, was so tragically stabbed to death outside a house party in Colchester only last month.

“His death has affected so many people and we owe it to Jay and other victims to try to put an end to these violent incidents.”