FIRE crews are targeting pensioners in a smoke alarm campaign after concerns they were neglecting the devices and risking their lives.

But relatives of elderly people in Darwen are being reminded that they, too, have a part to play in ensuring the alarms are kept in working order.

Concerns arose when checks at Barlow Court sheltered housing scheme, in Bolton Road, Edgworth, found fewer than five of its 20 elderly residents owned a working smoke alarm, despite each flat being fitted with the device. The majority of problems were due to bad maintenance such as not replacing batteries or even taking the alarm off the wall.

Officers from Darwen fire station visited Barlow Court yesterday to fix all the alarms and offer fire safety advice. The station is also offering to install and check smoke alarms for free if people have any worries.

John Taylor, press officer for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said the problems at Barlow Court were common and urged people not to risk their lives. "It's important for carers and relatives to make sure batteries are replaced and that the alarm is tested regularly," he said.

Coun Jean Rigby organised the fire safety visit after discovering that residents were neglecting alarms. "Many had removed the battery," she said. "Others said it was noisy and too near the kitchen or that they didn't know how to put the battery in.

Phil Richards, chief executive of Twin Valley Homes, said: "Although we have no legal responsibility to provide smoke alarms at properties such as those at Barlow Court, we are working with the fire service to promote their home fire safety checks.

"As part of the programme of improvements planned for next year at Barlow Court, we will be installing a 'hard-wire' system - where batteries are not required - for smoke and heat detection."

Anyone wanting to arrange a check should call Darwen fire station on 01254 702288.