RESIDENTS in Radcliffe have come under fire for being slow on the uptake in getting their homes checked by fire prevention experts.

Firefighters in Whitefield are keen to hear from every homeowner in the south of the borough to sign up for a free home fire safety check.

They will look for any potential dangers, including overloaded electricity sockets, and help the householders formulate an escape plan in the case of a fire. Free smoke alarms will also be fitted where required.

Several thousand residents across the borough have already taken advantage of the fire risk surveys, with many also benefiting from having smoke alarms installed.

However, there has been a slow response in Radcliffe. Sub Officer Steve Simpson, based at Whitefield, said: "Out of all the areas, the number of calls from homeowners in Radcliffe have been slow in coming. I would urge anyone to contact us immediately for a free risk assessment and smoke alarms while we still have the funds to supply them."

To encourage greater response, firefighters recruited Radcliffe councillors Barry and Sharon Briggs to help promote the service.

Coun Briggs said: "This is an excellent service provided by the fire brigade and I would strongly urge people to take advantage of it. Prevention is better than fires breaking out in the home."

Mr Simpson stressed the importance of having smoke alarms in working order: "They do save lives. However, if they are not working or the battery has been taken out then they are useless.

"Early indication of a fire in the home gives the residents time to escape and call us out. But there are also other things that can be done to ensure help arrives quickly and prevent deaths or injury.

"No home is exempt from fire so it is important that every resident is aware of how to act should one break out. They need to ensure that all occupants are fully aware of escape routes and, if they are blocked, what to do if they are trapped upstairs."

The fire service aim to have smoke detectors fitted in every home across Greater Manchester with Government funding to support the programme.

For a home risk assessment, call Whitefield fire station on (0161) 609 0503.