Hundreds of Wolverhampton residents are to be given carbon monoxide detectors to help keep them safe thanks to a new initiative.

Wolverhampton City Council and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) are working in partnership to deliver the scheme in vulnerable households across the city.

As part of their Gas Safe initiative, RoSPA has provided 200 detectors that will be fitted free of charge through the council's Handyperson scheme, which was launched in November last year.

It also builds on the success on the council's previous schemes to improve housing in the city such as Wolverhampton's Home Improvement Service and Affordable Warmth Assistance.

Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Prosperity, said: "This is an excellent initiative that will benefit some of our most vulnerable households.

"Detectors such as these are potential lifesavers and we are delighted to be working in partnership with RoSPA to provide them, free of charge, to give residents peace of mind."

Ashley Martin, RoSPA's Public Health Project Manager, said: "We are pleased to be working with Wolverhampton City Council as one of the partners in the Be Gas Safe programme which offers a really practical way in saving lives and reducing injuries.

"Carbon monoxide is known as the 'silent killer' because you cannot see it, taste it or smell it - this is why steps need to be taken to reduce the risk especially during the cold weather when we are all reliant on heating."

Anyone who wants to find out more about the carbon monoxide detectors should contact Wolverhampton City Council on 01902 551155 or email WHIS@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

The handyman service is available to owner occupiers who are aged 60+ and on income related benefits or for those owner occupiers who are disabled and on income related benefits. To find out more, please call Wolverhampton City Council on 01902 551155 or email WHIS@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

Affordable Warmth Grants are available to certain low income, vulnerable households and can be used to install heating and insulation measures at no cost to the occupier.

To find out more, please call Wolverhampton City Council on 01902 551155 or email energy.efficiency@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

  • released: Thursday 30 January, 2014