SMOKE alarms are being fitted to homes on one of Leigh's largest housing estates.

Wigan and Leigh Housing and Greater Manchester Fire Service are introducing mains-linked smoke detectors to council homes at Higher Folds and Worsley Mesnes after fire service statistics showed the areas had the highest rate of fires per property in the borough.

Bedford-Astley councillor and Wigan and Leigh housing board member, Fred Walker, said: "All council properties will eventually receive mains-linked smoke detectors, but information from the fire service helped us in a fast-track installation in Higher Folds and Worsley Mesnes."

The fire service will work with tenants and residents associations, and schools to raise awareness of fire safety in the home.

Although battery operated smoke detectors are fitted in all council properties, relatively few are actually mains-linked. Smoke detectors are serviced annually as part of the gas-servicing contract, but according to Greater Manchester Fire Service smoke alarms were working in only 20 per cent of council properties where accidental fires occurred.

"The majority of smoke detectors that didn't work were due to missing or flat batteries. Unlike battery operated detectors, mains-linked smoke detectors give long lasting protection, are difficult to switch off and have battery back up in case of power failure.