Free electric blanket testing event returns

General support and advice about energy bills will also be available on the days

Free events offering safety checks on electric blankets and advice on energy bills are returning to Wolverhampton.

It follows events in the city earlier this month where 24 blankets were tested and 21 new ones were provided for free to replace the failed ones.

Advice days will take place on 5 November at Civic Centre and 6 November at Bob Jones Community Hub.

City of Wolverhampton Council said both events would run between 09:30 GMT and 16:00 GMT.

John Roseblade, director of resident services at the council, said: "The condition of electric blankets can deteriorate over time and become faulty. This can risk injury and fire, so we would encourage people to come along and get their blankets checked for peace of mind.”

The council said residents that wished to test their blanket should bring all associated leads, controls and plugs.

It said: "If the blanket fails and the owner is a Wolverhampton resident, a replacement will be offered for free."

General support and advice about energy bills will also be available from charity Act on Energy.

Visitors will be able to ask advice on how to save on bills, how to switch providers and how to access energy debt support.

Information will also be on hand about ways people can protect themselves from scams, rogue traders and bogus callers which can increase over the colder weather and during the run-up to Christmas.

The council said appointments for blanket testing were not required, but waiting times may be long if the events were busy.