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11 council tenants who denied contractors access to their homes to carry out essential gas safety inspections and maintenance have been told they could go to jail if they do not comply with a court ruling.

District judges at Wigan Magistrates Court ordered the following people to allow access to their home on a date fixed by the court and to pay £300 costs to Wigan & Leigh Housing.

1. Derek Nightingale, Spa Road, Atherton
2. Nigel Bond, Keats Close, Atherton
3. Andria Lyon, Windsor Road, Higher Folds, Leigh
4. James Heald, Robert Street, Atherton
5. Thomas Bond, Richmond Drive, Higher Folds, Leigh
6. James Anderton, Trent Road, Stubshaw Cross, Ashton-in-Makerfield
7. Martyn O'Brien, Cameron Place, Worsley Hall, Wigan
8. Anne-Marie Porter, Kitt Green Road, Marsh Green, Wigan
9. Darren Chadwick, Thursby House, Norley Hall, Wigan
10. Michael Jolley, Church Avenue, Bickershaw
11. Paul Robertson, Church Avenue, Bickershaw

Peter Gee, Chief Executive of Wigan & Leigh Housing said:

"Around 30 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning every year as a result of gas appliances not being serviced. We advise our tenants that the service is vitally important and that we have a legal responsibility to get the safety inspection and maintenance carried out."

"Our gas heating contractor is very flexible about access arrangements and the service is free of charge. Unfortunately, some tenants continue to put their lives and those of their families and neighbours at risk. We will not hesitate to take tenants to court if they refuse access."

Wigan & Leigh Housing manages 23,500 council homes and is required by law to carry out and annual service of the gas appliances in every property. Tenants can arrange a convenient date and time for the company's gas heating contractor to carry out the service, free of charge. If contractors cannot then gain access, housing staff contact the tenant to arrange a new appointment. If all efforts fail, court action must be taken.