FIRE officers have been busy fitting life-saving fire alarms in a block of flats. The officers have been fitting new alarms at Tennyson Court in Royston. Sean Comerford, station commander at Royston fire station, said: While attending a call at a flat,

FIRE officers have been busy fitting life-saving fire alarms in a block of flats.

The officers have been fitting new alarms at Tennyson Court in Royston.

Sean Comerford, station commander at Royston fire station, said: "While attending a call at a flat, crews noticed that batteries were missing from the smoke alarms in the communal hallways and stairwells.

"In the event of a fire in the communal area, it is vital to have a working smoke alarm to alert residents.

"We spoke to the company responsible for the block of flats who have agreed to purchase and install some tamper-proof smoke alarms, where the battery cannot be removed, similar to the ones we install during our home safety checks."

The flats are managed by Francis Butson and Associates. The area manager, Chris Wright, said: "Although regular checks are carried out, we have found that batteries have been removed from smoke alarms in the communal areas.

"This is obviously a serious concern, so we are very pleased that this problem has been solved at Tennyson Court.

"We will also replace the smoke alarms at all the other properties we manage. We would like to thank the fire service for itsr advice and assistance with the installation of the new sealed units."

Two crews from Royston attended the initial call on January 4, and on arrival found the flat to be heavily smoke-logged after food on the cooker had burnt.

The smoke alarm had been installed previously by firefighters during a home fire safety check.

Cllr Keith Emsall, executive member for community safety and culture at Hertfordshire County Council, said: "I am pleased to see companies willing to work in partnership with the fire service to help keep residents safe from fire.

"I urge residents to keep fire safety in mind, keep an eye out for potential fire hazards and take the appropriate action; such as reporting rubbish left in a communal stairwell.

"Make sure you have a smoke alarm fitted on each level of your home and check the battery every week.

"If a fire does break out in your home, get out quickly and dial 999."

The fire service is happy to fit free smoke alarms on request, and can also carry out a home safety check on your property. Call 0800 5873347 and arrange an appointment, or log onto www.hertsdirect.org/fire.