RESIDENTS in Chorley are set to benefit from a novel recycling scheme.

The council's housing committee, meeting on Tuesday, was expected to rubber-stamp proposals to fit smoke alarms free of charge for the old and disabled.

The move follows a review of council house alarms which were fitted eight years ago.

The survey found many had been disabled by tenants, posing a fire safety threat.

A report from director of community services Roger Stagles states: "In the case of the aged and infirm it may well be that there are physical problems for tenants in replacing batteries.

"In those cases staff are only too prepared to assist. But in the case of young families with children it is hard to understand the attitude of some parents."

After liaising with the fire brigade, the council has hit upon a scheme to remove old fire alarms and replace them with tamper-proof models.

And the council is to re-cycle the old alarms to other households. The report said: "Nearly half of private properties in the borough do not have smoke alarms. We could offer those replaced to the aged, infirm and vulnerable.

"Not only would this give protection from fire to the most needy in our community, it is also a tremendous exercise in recycling."

The cost of the replacement project is expected to be around £20,000.

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