Watford MP to help tackle bullying in schools (From Watford Observer)

Watford MP, Richard Harrington, to help tackle bullying in schools

11:00am Wednesday 23rd January 2013 in News By Rebecca Perring, Reporter

Jessica (right) with her mum, Paula

Watford MP, Richard Harrington has pledged to help tackle bullying in local schools and to support vulnerable young people.

The statement comes after Mr Harrington’s Facebook page was flooded with requests for him to take action following the death of Abbots Langley schoolgirl, Jessica Cobb, who was found dead at her home last week, aged just 15.

Since the news emerged friends and family took to social networking site to express their grief and shock on a tribute page set up in memory of Jessica, a pupil at St Michael’s Catholic High School in High Elms Lane.

The death of the teenager has also sparked speculation of bullying in relation to Jessica and many commentators have raised general concerns of bullying in Watford schools.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has confirmed they are currently investigating the circumstances around the teenager’s death but said they have not found evidence of bullying.

Mr Harrington said: "Over recent days a large number of people have contacted me, raising concerns about bullying and supporting young people experiencing difficulties. I have read all these comments and will do my best to respond to each one in due course.

"The issues that have been raised are very important and I will provide assistance on individual cases.

"Over the next few weeks I plan to work with schools and organisations locally, as well as with the Government to look at ways of tackling bullying and improving support for young people and will keep people informed."

The conservative backbencher also sent his condolences to the family and said he was "greatly saddened to hear about the death."

He said: "My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this time. Having read many people’s tributes, it is clear that she will be greatly missed.

"As a parent myself I cannot being to imagine the pain the family must be experiencing, but I am sure that they are comforted by the number of people whose lives Jessica touched, and how the school and wider community that have rallied around them. "

Police were called to Jessica’s home in Gable Close at 7:30am following concerns for her welfare. She was pronounced dead at the scene and her death is not being treated as suspicious.

Jessica’s funeral will take place on Monday, January 28 at St Saviour Church in Abbots Langley at 11am. Visitors are then invited to West Herts Crematorium at 12:40pm.

Jessica’s parents have asked well wishers to donate money to a memorial fund instead of buying flowers.