BOLTON'S MPs have stepped up their support for the BEN's campaign to get derelict mill lodges filled by urging their constituents to write to them with their concerns.

Bolton North-east MP David Crausby, who has backed our "Fill Them In" campaign from the outset says he now wants to build up a dossier of abandoned mill lodges in his patch that residents fear may be dangerous.

And Mr Crausby's advice to his constituents was clear "don't wait until another tragedy before letting us know".

The move comes in the wake of the death of eight-year-old Jaffer Javid who drowned in Blackshaw Lodge, yards away from his home, over the August Bank Holiday.

In the subsequent weeks the BEN has continued to highlight the issue of old abandoned mill lodges which are often magnets for young children and should be filled in.

Mr Crausby reaffirmed his commitment to the campaign and told the BEN he intends to take the matter before the House of Commons after the summer recess in October.

But first the MP will meet with Bolton Council planning chief Ray Jefferson to determine how best to move the campaign forward.

Mr Crausby believes new legislation should be introduced targeting landowners in a bid to make them take responsibility for making the areas safe. "At present legislation only exists for workplaces and I believe this should be extended to cover areas that are no longer in use but are still potentially dangerous," said Mr Crausby.

"But I think it is the local authority who should have the powers to act and I will be meeting with planning officials in the very near future to discuss what they would like to see happen so I can then put the case forward to the House of Commons."

He added: "We want to work with the landowners and after the last tragedy at the lodge on Waters Meeting Lane over a year ago I dealt directly with the landowners."

Mr Crausby said it was vital that his constituents now got in touch to let him know their fears about lodges in the area so action could be taken.

"The last thing we want is another tragedy and we need to start building up a picture of the places that people believe could be dangerous."

Mr Crausby's move was welcomed by House of Commons colleague Dr Brian Iddon, MP for Bolton South east. Dr iddon, whose constituency includes Blackshaw Lodge, said: "I would be happy to hear from my constituents on this issue and I will be prepared to accept information on lodges and, if necessary go and look at them for myself."

Dr Iddon also stressed the importance of children being taught to swim as early as possible.

"I know children of 11 who cannot swim and I believe the ages they are taught to swim differs from school to school," he said. "When I was about 11 I fell into my father's pit and went under the water but thankfully he was there to pull me out.

"I know a little bit about what being in that position is like and I think it is imperative that children are taught how to swim as early as possible."

If you have concerns about a derelict lodge and would like to let your MP know you can write to both Mr Crausby and Dr Iddon at their constituency offices, 60 St George's Road, Bolton, BL1 2DD.