HOMEOWNERS are being urged to check that they have the right glazing in the right place. Nigel Rees, acting chief executive of the Glass and Glazing Federation, said: "Each year hospitals throughout the country treat more than two million victims of domestic accidents.

"Almost 30,000 of these are caused by glass and could have been prevented. Glass is a perfectly safe material as long as the right type is fitted. I urge homeowners to check the glass in their homes and gardens to make sure that safety glass is fitted wherever it is needed.

"We have leaflets available to help you identify any problem areas." For a list of GGF members, contact 020 7403 7177.

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Hometrack.co.uk's regional December survey of the housing market in the South East reports that prices have risen (0.1 per cent) for the first time since the events of September 11. This reflects hometrack's November report which showed a rise in activity levels for the first time since the tragedy.

Outside Greater London, the South East recorded the highest increase in sales agreed for December (3.7 per cent), despite the fact that activity levels were well down on the November levels, with both vendors (down 4.8 per cent), and purchasers (down 8.7 per cent), deciding to break for the festive season and wait for the new year.

John Wriglesworth, hometrack's housing economist, said: "We are forecasting five per cent for 2002 (December on December), with the biggest rises occurring outside London where many homes remain relatively more affordable."

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Taplin Court, McCarthy & Stone's development of retirement flats in Birchington, has sold out. With around 30 flats sold, residents are living in purpose-built accommodation in the Albion Road site with social events held almost weekly.

McCarthy & Stone will soon open a site which will have up to 43 flats with a selection of one and two bedrooms at Walderslade.

The company can be contacted on 01932 336099.

For further information on the Walderslade development, freephone 0500 870454.

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OWNERS of new homes are being asked what they really think about their builders in the 2002 British Housebuilder Awards. If you moved into a brand new home between April 1, 2000 and March 31, 2001 and if your builder is one of the hundreds of builders who has entered the competition, you should have received a questionnaire asking you what you think of your new home.

All replies will be entered into a prize draw, allowing a lucky winner to benefit from a £3,000 makeover of their new home.

Questionnaires should be returned by Monday, February 4.

The awards will take place at a lunch at the Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London on March 28.