AS the cold weather continues, Redditch Council is reminding residents of a service which allows vulnerable people to feel more secure in their homes.

The Lifeline Community Alarm Service consists of a telephone alarm and a pendant.

One press on either connects the customer to the 24-hour response centre manned by experienced staff.

If the user has a fall, staff will call a family member, neighbour, or other designated keyholder.

If necessary, they'll call a doctor or ambulance. In all cases, staff will remain talking to the customer until help arrives.

The service can also be used in the case of suspicious or uninvited callers.

The Redditch service often exceeds the national standard of 98.5 per cent of calls being answered within 60 seconds. And for two years it has met all quality standards of the Telecare Services Association's Code of Practice when dealing with its 4,500-5,500 monthly calls.

The cost is £2.82 a week, which can be paid by cash, cheque, or direct debit for non-council tenants. Council tenants can also access the warden service and if they receive housing benefit, can apply to get both free of charge.

For more details, call 64252 extension 3368, 3247 or 3559.