THE owner of a Meals on Wheels service today began a crusade to improve community support for the elderly after one of her clients died in a house fire.

Barbara Taylor, from Colne Meals on Wheels, has said she feels partly to blame for the death of 83-year-old Connie Munton at her home in Easthill Street, Barnoldswick, last week.

Connie, a heavy smoker, was housebound and slept downstairs in her living room. Her smoke alarm was on the first floor of the house.

After her death staff from Colne Meals on Wheels, based in Linden Road, began checking smoke alarms with every food delivery.

Barbara said today she was shocked to discover how few elderly people had smoke alarms that were in the right place and regularly tested.

She has appealed for more people to show community spirit and offer to help make sure fire safety is paramount in the homes of their neighbours.

Barbara said: "Connie was a lovely lady, though she could be very abrupt and confused sometimes because she was in a lot of pain.

"After she died, we did a survey of people we deliver to and we found that a lot of people have smoke alarms that haven't been checked for years.

"I just want to ask families, care workers and neighbours to make sure they check them or get them fitted. At the end of the day we are all responsible for everybody.

"It's a two-minute job that most people forget to do.

"With Connie, her smoke alarm was upstairs. She was a lady that could hardly move and she was partially deaf, so even if the alarm had gone off upstairs she might not have heard it.

"When I turned up at Connie's I felt terribly guilty and I wondered if there was anything I could have done as a caring person in the community and I could.

"All it needs is a little bit of thought. Everyone who's on this planet can care for their next door neighbour."

Station Officer Mark Woodward, based at Nelson fire station, said: "From a fire safety point of view this lady is right to say that if you have elderly neighbours and friends you should check on them regularly to make sure they have a working smoke alarm and know what to do in case of a fire.

"If they haven't got a smoke alarm or an escape plan they should call us for free advice or go to their local fire station."

A joint investigation into the fire in Easthill Street on Tuesday morning is being carried out by police, fire officials and forensic teams. Initial investigations suggested the cause could be smoking materials.

For free fire safety advice call 0800 1691125.