ELDERLY residents in Dartford will benefit from a scheme to make their homes safe and secure.

Under Help the Aged's Handy Van Scheme, workers will visit homes and carry out odd jobs to improve security, such as fitting locks, door chains and smoke alarms.

They will also change light bulbs and tack down loose carpets, all free of charge.

The fitters are trained to advise residents about home security, including tips on dealing with bogus callers and can introduce householders to services such as welfare rights. All fitters carry ID cards and only visit by appointment.

Anyone 60 or over on a low income can use the service.

Some Dartford Council staff who have contact with elderly residents, have been issued with leaflets about the scheme, which has been running in other areas for six years.

Call Handy Van on 01255 473999 for details.

December 3, 2001 11:14