Mayor inspects installation of smoke alarms

31 October 2003

As part of a tour of Council properties managed by the Tenant Management Organisation (TMO), the Mayor of the Royal Borough, Councillor Christopher Buckmaster and TMO Chair Juliet Rawlings highlighted a campaign to fit smoke alarms in all TMO housing stock. The campaign will initially see the alarms installed in the homes of all elderly and 'at risk' residents. The move builds on firm evidence that smoke alarms save lives.

The Mayor said: "If just one life is saved by this initiative it will have been worthwhile. The consequences of fire are often far more serious if smoke alarms are not fitted. I am delighted that the TMO has set the ambitious target of fitting an alarm in each of the properties. It is yet another example of the TMO staying ahead of the game."

The TMO is under no obligation to fit smoke alarms, but considers it an important step to safeguard the health and safety of its residents. Approximately 1,500 alarms have already been installed in Council properties and the visit marked the 500th alarm to be fitted by the TMO's own care takers.

The Mayor went on to visit an award winning mosaic designed and made by members of the Eritrean Parents and Family Association based at the Westway Project. The mosaic was a winner of a Royal Borough Environment Award Scheme and was judged to "have enlivened the local scene and created a greater sense of community than before."

The Mayor and TMO Chair concluded the tour with a visit to the Swinsbrook Residents' Association and met members of the association and the 60s Plus group who work closely together on events aimed at the over 60s.

The tour highlights some of the excellent work carried out by the TMO at both the physical built environment and community involvement levels. By adopting this two pronged approach the TMO is seeking to, alongside partners, develop the community environment into something that the local residents can enjoy and be proud of.

Notes for Editors

Pictures available . Please contact 020 7361 2115 for further information.

TMO is the organisation that manages and maintains the Royal Borough's housing stock. The independent body is run by and for the residents.

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