MEMBERS of the Marlborough Fire Forum are to follow up their recent leaflet drop with an open day at the town hall in November at which property owners and tenants can get fire safety advice.

The fire forum was launched following the devastating blaze which left the betting office, butchers' shop and flats above at 3 to 5 High Street in smouldering ruins in 1998.

The fire threatened to spread to the adjoining town council offices and Thrifty Orange charity shop.

Only the actions of nearly 100 fire fighters led by Wiltshire's chief fire officer John Craig, now retired, prevented the flames spreading into adjoining buildings or crossing the street to the town hall opposite.

Five years previously, flames swept through another group of wooden framed buildings on the upper side of the High Street.

Again, only the valiant efforts of the firefighters prevented the New Year's Eve blaze from engulfing further premises.

Former mayor Len Bulley called for the setting up of the unique fire forum, which comprises members of the local authorities, fire brigade and traders.

But members admit that the forum has been slow to take off and last year's mayor, Coun David Watson, has now revived the regular meetings and supported the launch of a fire safety leaflet.

The circular, advising on ways of reducing fire risks, has been distributed to every business and home in the High Street.

Mayor Margaret Boulton has succeeded Coun Watson as chairman of the forum and she has pledged to continue his efforts to make all landowners and tenants in the town centre aware of the need to carry out risk assessments and fit a modern fire detection system.

Marlborough Fire Station commander, station officer David Ward, told the fire forum last Wednesday that every business and home in the High Street has been visited by firefighters and provided with one of the leaflets.

Members of the forum discussed ways of carrying out a survey on all buildings under risk and agreed to look into ways of doing this.

It was agreed to continue the fire safety promotion by holding an open day on November 12 in the town hall between noon and 8pm.

At the day, representatives of the fire brigade, Kennet District Council, insurers and other agencies involved with fire safety will be represented.

Members of the forum were again disappointed that Marlborough Chamber of Commerce was not represented .

It was agreed that Coun Watson would speak to the chamber to encourage it to send delegates along.