FOLLOWING on from the recently published report into the shameful sexual abuse in Rotherham.

I would like to advise all of my constituents what action I have taken to ensure that the residents of Weaver Vale are protected from similar activities.

I am sure you will agree the extent of the problem in South Yorkshire is truly shocking and it is lamentable that this shameful abuse was allowed to continue on such a large scale, for such a long time and apparently unchallenged by those in positions of authority.

Inevitably this has led all of us who occupy positions of responsibility to give consideration to the systems in place within our own areas to ensure that a similar issue could not occur within our locality.

Without seeking to cast aspersions, I wrote, on August 29, to all the appropriate local agencies, seeking reassurance as to the mechanisms in place within those agencies, and others with which those agencies liaise in issues of child care, to ensure that such an abhorrent situation could not occur and affect young people in the care of, or live within the agency's area of responsibility.

I have also asked for specific confirmation whether there have been any instances of abuse and if so, what steps were taken to address it, and the mechanisms instituted to ensure that it could not be repeated.

I would like to think that the appropriate systems are in place.

We are all duty bound to reflect on the provisions which safeguard our young, vulnerable people and it is appropriate that following such a large scale problem the issue should be fully and maturely considered.

I am awaiting formal responses from four of the bodies I have written to. I am meeting John Dwyer, Cheshire PCC and Cheshire Chief Constable, Simon Byrne, in October to discuss a number of issues, including this subject.

I would like to reassure Weaver Vale residents that I take this issue very seriously and shall feedback to residents on my findings.

My office can always be contacted in the strictest confidence by anyone affected by these issues. We would be happy to assist anybody finding themselves in such distressing circumstances.

Northwich office 01606 350323; London office 020 7219 7183; email help@grahamevansmp.com; grahamevansmp.com/contact.

You can arrange to meet me on a face to face confidential basis at one of my surgeries which are held weekly throughout my constituency.

Please contact my office for details or to make an appointment.

Graham Evans MP Weaver Vale