A COUNCIL-RUN scheme to help low-income families cut the risk of accidents in their homes has run out of cash.

Funding from the East Lancashire Health Authority and City Challenge has dried up and on Tuesday, Blackburn Council's public services committee will decide whether to continue the £45,000 scheme.

Fireguards and safety gates are loaned to low income families for 12 months, with an option to buy items for £10 after 12 months or return them to the scheme.

Smoke alarms are also provided for families, and each applicant is visited and given safety advice.

A total of 2,745 items have been loaned since the scheme started in Bank Top Ward in 1993 and spread borough-wide in April last year. Councillors will have three options: to run down and close the scheme over a 12-month period; to run at reduced capacity, taking applications only as equipment becomes available until the equipment becomes unusable or to seek commercial sponsorship or fund the scheme from development services funds.

A report from officers recommends the third option.

It points out families using the scheme reported reduced anxiety levels about home accidents and felt equipment had significantly contributed to reducing the risk of hazards for young children.

It also meets the criteria of the borough's anti-poverty strategy by providing equipment for families who would not otherwise have access to such facilities.

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