MORE than 4,000 homes will be fitted with carbon monoxide detectors in a major step forward in the fight against the Silent Killer.

In a move believed to be the first of its kind in the country, a North Yorkshire housing association is to fit the detectors in every one of its homes.

The ambitious initiative was welcomed by campaigners fighting to highlight the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO), which claims about 60 lives each year in Britain.

Steve Towers, managing director of Broadacres Housing Association, said the detectors would be fitted as part of a rolling programme to upgrade the electrics in its 4,500 homes across Hambleton.

He said: "All the gas boilers we fit already have an automatic cut-off, but what we are proposing to do is install carbon monoxide detectors in every one of our properties.

"It will start this year, with contractors going in over the next few weeks, and it will be completed inside 15 years."

He said the decision to install detectors was part of an initiative to improve safety in homes, which also includes fitting safety locks on first floor windows.

"We haven't had any cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, but every now and then you read about it and we don't want it happening to us," he said.

Harry Rogers, gas safety consultant and advisor to the CO Gas Safety campaign group, said: "This is the first time I have ever heard of this happening. I think it is brilliant."

The Northern Echo's Silent Killer campaign has led calls for CO detectors to be fitted in all new homes and rented accommodation.

The Government is considering a range of proposals to tighten gas safety regulations.

About 60 people a year die in the UK from exposure to carbon monoxide within their own homes.

Suppliers and maintenance firms have just set up the Gas Industry Safety Group to encourage all parts of the industry to work together to increase and promote safety.

Chris Bielby, of British Gas, said: "We can't stress strongly enough the importance of getting gas boilers and appliances serviced by a British Gas engineer or another Corgi-registered engineer."

Houghton and Washington East MP Fraser Kemp, who drafted a parliamentary bill aimed at tackling the CO menace, said: "I think this is fantastic news. It shows a great deal of foresight and commitment to their tenants."