LOCKS are being fitted to wheelie bins as part of a campaign to reduce arson attacks in a North-East town blighted by fire.

Police and firefighters have been in Stanley today (Monday, March 23) to reassure residents action is being taken following a spate of deliberate blazes in the area.

An 84-year-old woman who lives in Joicey Gardens was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation after a bin was torched next to her home last month.

Neighbours said the number of fires in the town is a cause of concern and welcomed the launch of Safer Homes Week to tackle the problem.

Former primary school teacher Christine Blackburn, 74, said: “We do have problems in this area and do feel vulnerable, especially at night time. I daren’t go out.”

The move to secure wheelie bins is part of pilot scheme, thought to be the first in the region, which could be rolled out across the county if it is a success.

Project manager Rob Cherrie, of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: “They act as deterrent and is part of a wider project to make residents feel safer. We have launched it here because of the recent problems with arson in Stanley.”

Police fear the deliberate fires could be ‘copycat’ attacks following several blazes in the town over the last 18 months, some of which were accidental.

Officers are keen to speak to three boys and a girl aged 12-14 after a fire at Annfield Plain Infants School on Saturday evening.

It came almost six weeks after fire damaged Burnside Primary School in Stanley.

Superintendent Kerrin Smith said: “There is no pattern, nor rhyme or reason for it. It seems quite mindless and I have no idea what the motivation is behind it.

“This has been the top priority for Stanley for over a year now.”