AN appeal has been issued to people in Hartlepool to return health and safety equipment when it is no longer needed.

Hundreds of appliances that increase the safety and independence of disabled and older people are delivered to homes in the town every month, but less than half are sent back.

Officials are calling on people to get in touch to arrange collection of unwanted items so they can be re-used.

The appliances include raiser-recliner chairs, bath lifts, high-back chairs, mattress elevators, hoists and telescopic ramps.

They are supplied by the Tees Community Equipment Service. Spokeswoman Margaret Messer said: "Around 500 pieces of equipment, or 25 a day, are sent out locally every month, but our return rate is only about 40 per cent.

"Return rates in the other Tees Valley local authority areas can be as high as 70 or 80 per cent.

"We believe it is just a case of people either forgetting to return equipment or not knowing how to contact us.

"However, when a piece of equipment is not returned, it costs us money to purchase a replacement, and that money could obviously be put to better use."

People with appliances to return should call (0800) 328 7980.