WATER sprinklers are to be installed in the homes of a handful of disabled people in a fire safety pilot project in Richmondshire.

The district council is looking to fit the devices into eight of its properties to test their effectiveness and cost, and gauge tenants' reactions.

Nearly 900 council houses across the district have already benefited from having smoke alarms fitted, in a special promotion run by the authority and North Yorkshire fire and rescue service.

However, officials are aware that deaf people unable to hear a smoke alarm and disabled people who cannot easily vacate their buildings, may be better served by sprinklers.

A report by Colin Dales, housing unit manager, to the housing committee on Tuesday, said it would cost an estimated £2,300 to install a sprinkler system in a three-bed- roomed house.

However, this estimate required testing and £20,000 should be set aside from revenue balances to fund the pilot scheme.