I recently had to renew one of our smoke alarm batteries. We have two, one upstairs and the other downstairs.

I noticed that on the side of the alarm, a notice saying the section needed renewing after 10 years. As our alarms are connected to the main electricity, I contacted two well known electrians on their answer phones to contact me. Neither had the decency to reply.

I contacted the Christchurch fire station for advice, and was truly amazed at the polite manner I received over the phone.

Not only that, a very knowledgeable officer came round to us the same day.

I can only say to elderly people like myself, smoke alarms are so important, do not hesitate to contact these people, they bend over backwards to help you.

DICK THORNLEY, Breamer Avenue, Southbourne