A SERIES of events held across Cornwall — including Bude and Launceston — to test the safety of electric blankets found a third of blankets had faults.

The initiative to raise awareness of the safety of electric blankets ahead of winter has been hailed a success.

Over the past few weeks, Cornwall Trading Standards and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service have worked with partners to offer free electric blanket safety checks and safety advice at ten events.

One hundred and seventy two electric blankets were tested and faults were found with one in three including bare wires, faulty controllers, no overheating protection, insulation breakdown of the internally stitched in wires and known product recalls that consumers had missed from not completing guarantee cards.

Jane Tomlinson, Cornwall Council quality standards manager, said: “We are pleased that residents, many of them elderly, have taken the opportunity to test their aging and untested electric blankets before putting them back on their beds ready for winter. Providing this free service has made a huge difference to people’s safety and fire prevention across Cornwall.”

Twenty four replacement electric blankets have been funded by Community Energy Plus’ Smart Warmth project. The local charity helps vulnerable and low income householders keep warm in their homes so that any health issues are not made worse living in cold or damp conditions.

They are encouraging anyone in Cornwall who is living on a low income, and has a member of their household suffering from a long term health condition, to get in touch to find out if they could qualify for a grant for up to £300 for energy efficient home improvements, including heating repairs, window repairs or replacement, draught proofing, extractor fans and dehumidifiers and portable heaters. Call Community Energy Plus on 0800 9541956.

Police also offered community safety advice on doorstep selling and dealing with cold callers as well as security marking valuables to aid tracing the owner if items are stolen.

If you would like to be contacted about future free electric blanket safety checks in your area call 0300 1234 191 and leave your details so Trading Standards can get in touch.