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Halewood house could have exploded
POLICE who forced their way into a house in Halewood prevented a potential gas explosion.
Officers smashed down the door after the tenant refused to let a housing association official carry out safety checks.
Police were called by Knowsley Housing Trust which had tried to contact the man for almost 12 months at his home in Boundary Farm Road.
Once inside, housing association officers found the gas and electricity meter had been tampered with.
Paul Worthington, the trust’s assistant director of maintenance, said the intervention highlighted the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, but also the possibility of a gas explosion.
“Although this action was very much a last resort, we are determined to do everything we can to safeguard the lives of our tenants, their families and neighbours.”
Trust staff had visited the house during the past year, leaving numerous letters and calling cards.
Officials said they were left with no option but to ask the courts for permission to force entry.
They are urging all of the trust’s tenants to ensure they allow maintenance staff into their homes to carry out a gas safety check.
Mr Worthington said: “Around 30 people in the UK die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning.
“It is essential people are aware of the importance of having an annual safety check to ensure that each home is using its gas supply safely and efficiently.”
A police spokesman said: “We were there to ensure there was no breach of the peace and to ensure the operation went smoothly.”
He said the tenant was not at home at the time of Monday’s operation and said the property has now been secured.
The trust was waiting for the tenant to get in touch with staff and they would be charged with the costs for the forced entry and courts costs.
The gas and electricity companies will decide whether to take action.
Sent: 07/02/2008
Email us direct at: repairs@londonheatingservices.co.uk
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