FAIL-SAFE smoke alarms are being fitted to homes on one of the area's largest housing estates.

Wigan & Leigh Housing and Greater Manchester Fire Service are introducing 'mains-linked' smoke detectors to council homes at Higher Folds, Leigh.

Statistics

A similar upgrade is being made to homes in Worsley Mesnes after Fire Service statistics showed it and Higher Folds have the highest rate of fires per property in the borough.

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.

Bedford-Astley councillor and Wigan & Leigh Housing Board Member Fred Walker, who is Chairman of Greater Manchester Fire Authority, said: "All council properties will eventually receive mains linked smoke detectors

as part of the new re-wiring programme, but information from the fire service has helped us to 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.