A ROADSHOW warning residents of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty heating appliances has been launched this week.

Hambleton District Council health officers will be visiting Easingwold Market Square, on Friday, from 9am until 12.30pm, to highlight the need for regular servicing and safety checks of gas fires and heating boilers.

"Keeping warm is vital but, unfortunately, heating appliances can cause injury and even death," said environmental spokesman Coun David Webster.

"If simple safety rules are not followed they are lethal."

More than 50 home deaths across the UK each year are caused by poisoning from the odourless, colourless and tasteless gas, often due to a blocked flue or badly ventilated room.

Updated: 12:00 Wednesday, November 06, 2002