AGE Concern North Craven is to run a campaign to help elderly people feel safe and secure in their own homes.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of crime prevention and fire safety measures and also how to prevent accidents in the home, such as falls.

Age Concern will be working with the police, fire service, Anchor Staying Put, Craven District Council and the Health Promotion Unit on the campaign.

Sue Mann, chief officer of Age Concern North Craven said: "We hope to encourage people to undertake a free security survey of their home from the police and the fire service to make them aware of the security measures they can take such as window locks and smoke alarms. Part of the campaign is titled Slips, Trips and Broken Hips, and we will be advising people on how to stay physically active as they get older.

"Older people can feel insecure," she added. "The crime rate is relatively low in this area but the problem can be that people can become careless. We want to do what we can without going over the top."

There will be two sessions arranged to promote the campaign, one at Settle Police Station on Tuesday April 11 from 10am until 4pm and the second at Ingleton Police Station during the afternoon on Friday April 14. All are welcome.

Age Concern North Craven is hoping businesses may be able to support the campaign by offering to supply the window locks or spy holes. Anyone who may be able to help is asked to contact the charity on 01729 823066.

Craven District Council has provided £75 through its Community Grant Scheme to help raise awareness of the campaign.

Safe and Secure was allowed a grant as crime is one of the Community Chest's priority issues. However, a second application by the charity to train 10 volunteers on issues facing the elderly was rejected as it failed to meet the necessary criteria.

Chairman of the Community Development Committee, Coun Dennis Hall, said: "We have helped over 45 organisations with a wide range of projects. More importantly these grants allow groups to lever in funds from other organisations."

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