RESIDENTS of a borough have been offered a special festive season help service on keep their homes warn, safe and secure.

Ribble Valley Council has joined forces with home improvement charity Homewise to offer a raft of measures from gas safety checks and boiler servicing to smoke alarm installation and crime prevention advice.

Although some measures are aimed specifically at vulnerable households including the elderly, those with children under five, on a low income or receiving benefit are entitled to the help.

A handyperson service offering home improvements, adaptations, repairs and maintenance is available specifically to older households from just £12 an hour plus the cost of materials.

Bridget Hilton, chair of the council’s health and housing committee, said: “Some measures, such as the installation of new boilers, is targeted at vulnerable households, but much is available regardless of income or age."

Homewise staff are trained by Lancashire Police to undertake crime prevention checks of homes, as well as install security measures and anti-distraction burglary kits for the over-65s.

The charity also makes referrals to the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service for free fire safety checks and smoke alarm installation, and provides carbon monoxide detectors.