Readers have been firing petitions in to the Newcastle Evening Chronicle calling for tighter airgun controls.

The paper teamed up with Gateshead Council to launch the push after a teenage girl was left blind in one eye after being hit by an airgun pellet.

More than 4,000 readers are backing the campaign - sending their names in to the Chronicle in a bid to persuade Home Secretary David Blunkett to change the laws that cover the weapons.

The newspaper wants it to become illegal to own one without a licence.

Reporter Emma Cox said: "There has been a fantastic response and now we are calling on more readers to add their names to those who think it should be illegal to own an airgun without a licence."

The Airgun Control Campaign was set up after a 15-year-old was shot on the way to meet some friends. Police have charged two people in connection with the attack.

The Chronicle is planning to hand the petitions to the Home Secretary as the campaign reaches its climax.

Back to the campaigns index

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail pastill@nepmidlands.co.uk