WINSFORD'S MP Stephen O'Brien has slammed the Government over new statistics that show the problems of arson and abandoned cars are getting worse.
The Conservative MP is angry that official fire statistics show that since 1997, the number of cases of arson has soared by 54 per cent across Cheshire and the number of "malicious vehicle fires" has soared by 135 per cent - well above the national average.
Mr O'Brien said: "It is not just violent crime that is a cause for concern, but now our streets are getting dirtier and more dangerous.
"Abandoned cars are hazardous for children and encourage more vandalism and crime in our neighbourhoods. Like violent crime, arson is also on the rise.
"Yet the problem of abandoned cars will get even worse. European Union directives signed by Labour are forcing the cost of car disposal to soar - a bill which is going to be met by car owners and council-tax payers."
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