AS the digital revolution arrives in North Devon a joint campaign has been launched to ensure aerial and satellite dish installers are working safely.

North Devon Council and Torridge District Council have teamed up with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to visit shops and tradesmen in order to provide advice and self check guides.

This is part of a wider project across the South West to raise safety standards among aerial and satellite installers and, at the same time, to weed out rogue traders who may be taking advantage of the changes.

Cllr Pat Barker, North Devon Council's lead member for regulatory services, said: "We want to encourage safe installation work and therefore we expect installers to be using the correct equipment.

"This includes harnesses and ropes as well as making sure that ladders are secured to stop falls.

"There have been some fatal incidents as well as serious injuries elsewhere in the country and we don't want to see this repeated in North Devon."

Cllr Barry Parsons, Torridge District Council's lead member for public protection, added: "Only a small number of TV aerials will need to be changed as part of the digital switchover, but you may be one of the households who will need to change your equipment.

"There are always people who use clever and persuasive tactics to try to make a fast buck on the back of something new, like digital switchover, and we want people to be aware."