News / Election 2011: Oil spills and school closures
ON THE day of the first anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster, independent candidate Billy Fox has again highlighted the need to maximise prevention of a similar accident happening in the waters around Shetland.
Referring to an article in the Guardian newspaper, Mr Fox said stricter rules as backed by the EU, were already under attack from national government, including the coalition government at Westminster.
He said: “The new rules would extend the area of coverage up to 200 miles from the coast, holding the oil companies responsible for prevention and any clean up in a much more rigorous framework.
“Mobile rigs like BP’s Deepwater Horizon would also be covered. At present the requirements for a high standard of safety measures only apply to fixed installations.
“Any attempt to water down these regulations, which appears to be happening by the Lib/Con coalition, in conjunction with the oil industry, is extremely worrying.
“With the move into deeper water and increasingly hostile conditions, it is absolutely crucial that every possible regulation and technical measure is put in place to avoid a repeat of the Gulf of Mexico disaster.”
Meanwhile Liberal Democrat candidate Tavish Scott expressed his concern about the effect the proposed closure of four primary schools would have on the communities.
He called on the council to listen to the full implications of such closures described in an independent socio economic impact, compiled by economist Steve Westbrook.
He said: “I met parents and school parent councils in Burravoe, Uyeasound, North Roe and Sandness in recent months. I have made a formal submission to the council on behalf of parents, pupils and teachers passing on the serious concerns about the details and figures behind the council’s closure proposals.
“What also shone through clearly during the meetings I had is that the schools whose future is in question make a substantial contribution to island life well beyond their immediate educational role.
“The Westbrook report on the implications of the closures on the communities makes it clear that the closures would be damaging to the communities the schools serve.
“Before they reach a decision on the future of these schools, Councillors must give serious consideration both to the educational concerns which the parents still have, such as the travel implications for young children, and to the wider impact of the closures on the communities.”
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