Pensioners in Queensbury fear their council bungalows are firetraps - and are raising a petition demanding urgent action.

People in Ashbourne Crescent, where the properties are around 50 years old, say the layout of the houses - where bedrooms lead from the living rooms - leaves them at risk.

If fire broke out in a living room their way out would be blocked and they say the bedroom windows, fitted nine years ago, do not open far enough to allow anyone to escape.

"I've had the fire brigade up, and they agree that these bungalows are a possible death trap," said Mrs Kendall, who is 76 and has lived in her bungalow for 16 years. "I have arthritis, and some of the residents here are in their 90s.

"We have also campaigned for improvements and last year petitioned the Council for new external doors which are more secure, but the Council said it has no money for major refurbishments."

Councillor Andrew Smith (Con, Queensbury) who has supported the residents in their campaign, said protests over security and burglary risks last year successfully prompted the Council to spend £6,000 on security measures including locks.

But pensioners were now worried about fire safety.

Station Officer Phil Darby of West Yorkshire fire service said: "Building control would normally deal with means of escape at the planning stage, but these buildings are older.

"Where you go directly from the living room into the bedroom that's a more dangerous situation - if the bedroom comes off the hall, that offers a modicum of protection.

"The answer is to install smoke alarms in the living room if necessary with a second one linked to it, in the bedroom so you can hear it."

Fire officers were happy to give free advice and anyone worried should contact their local fire station, he added.

A Bradford Council housing spokesman said: "We are very concerned to learn that elderly residents may have concerns about the risk of fire in their homes.

"Many Council properties for the elderly in and around Ashbourne Crescent are connected to the 24-hour Careline warden network offering immediate help should someone require assistance. Careline also has an integrated smoke detector as an extra fire precaution measure.

"If residents have concerns about safety in their homes, the Council would be happy to arrange an on-site meeting with a Fire Prevention Officer to discuss the matter."

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