A NEW scheme is being put forward to reduce the number of childhood injuries in the home.

Safety equipment is to be provided to families with young children in the Ferryhill and Chilton Sure Start programme, provided the project wins approval.

The proposal is for Sure Start to provide a stair gate, fire guard, smoke alarms and smaller items of safety equipment without charge, to families with children under four.

A report to Sedgefield Borough Council's cabinet tomorrow says children in disadvantaged areas like those assisted by the Sure Start initiative, are more likely to have an accident in the home.

"The most severe injuries are associated with heat-related accidents and falls from a height," the report says.

"It is also evident that the cost of purchasing home safety equipment is a major barrier faced by such families."

The cabinet will be asked to approve purchase of the equipment.

Margaret Taylor, chairman of the Chilton West Residents' Association, said "I think it's a very good idea. There are a lot of families in Chilton who can't afford that kind of thing, especially single parent families."