No compromise on gas safety

Six 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.

At Wigan Magistrates Court last week, District Judge Donnelly ordered the following six tenants to allow access to their homes on a date fixed by the court and to pay £135 costs to Wigan & Leigh Housing.

1. Sandra Mather, Hutton Street, Standish
2. Barry Trezise, Linney Square, Scholes, Wigan
3. Denise Hunt, Canberra Road, Marsh Green, Wigan
4. Stacey Parr, Linney Square, Scholes, Wigan
5. Kenneth Fletcher of Albion Drive, New Springs, Wigan
6. Brian Draper, Ascroft Avenue, Beech Hill, Wigan.

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

“The law makes it clear that landlords must carry out a gas safety inspection every year. Tenants who refuse to allow access for this essential work are putting the lives of their families and those of others in their neighbourhood at risk. That is a risk we will not allow to happen and, if necessary, we will take people to court to get this work carried out.”

Wigan & Leigh Housing manages 23,500 council homes and is required by law to carry out an 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.

Note to Editors

For more information, please contact Peter Gee on (01942) 486507.