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Housing association applies for court orders to check tenants gas safety
A HOUSING association in Worcester is applying for court orders to allow it to enter its tenants homes to carry out necessary gas safety checks.
Worcester Community Housing (WCH) has announced the tough new procedures to deal with residents who refuse officers entry.
Adam Rudge, gas service manager for WCH, said: "Every year people die from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues which have not been properly installed or maintained. We don't want this to happen in our homes, which is why the annual services are so important.
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"Last year, together with our partners PH Jones, we completed an impressive 99.46 per cent of all services. But when we are talking customer safety this is just not good enough."
So far, WCH has been granted two injunctions. This means it has permission from the county court to enter a home at any time, by force, alongside a police presence, to complete the work.
All legal and administrative costs associated with the injunction, which will total between £1,500 and £2,000 will be passed on to the customer.
Mr Rudge said: "An injunction is only sought as a last resort but it underlines how seriously Worcester Community Housing takes its responsibility in ensuring customer safety and meeting it's legal obligations under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
"We don't want to apply for injunctions to carry out essential safety work but we are prepared to do so if it can potentially save lives."
If you are a tenant and have refused to allow the annual gas service to take place in your home, call Worcester Community Housing on 0800 197 2085 and arrange an appointment for it to take place. The service is free, but the alternative of a court injunction is not.
Sent: 18/03/2008
Email us direct at: repairs@londonheatingservices.co.uk
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