In a move to increase safety in the home this winter Merton Council is holding four electric blanket testing roadshows across the borough on the 10 and 13 November.

This is the 16th year that the council’s Trading Standards Service in association with Age Concern Merton and the London Fire Brigade, has organised the free tests and follows previous years’ findings that one third of all blankets tested were found to be unsafe. Although not one of the main causes of house fires, faulty electrical appliances and leads can contribute to accidental fires in the home.

No appointment is needed. If you would like more information please call 020 8545 4018. Experts will also be at the sessions to offer advice on any questions people may have about health, fire safety, benefits and pensions, crime reduction and independent living.

The dates and venues for the roadshows are:

Monday 10 November

10am -12pm New Horizon Centre, South Lodge Avenue, Pollard Hill CR4 1LT
2 – 4pm Morden Baptist Church, Crown Lane, Morden SM4 5BL
Thursday 13 November

10am-12pm Mitcham Fire Station, 30 Lower Green West, Mitcham CR4 3AF
2-4pm Wimbledon Fire Station, Kingston Road, Wimbledon, SW19 1JN

Merton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Councillor Diane Neil Mills said: “As winter approaches and people start to use more electrical items such as electric blankets and heaters, we want to raise their awareness of safety in the home. By offering free testing, anyone can come along and ensure that they keep warm as well as safe in the coming months.”