Gas leak discovered JUST hours after inspection

Sheila Laverie was having a new kitchen fitted at her South Staffordshire Housing Association-owned property in Walsall Road, Great Wyrley.

The association called out a gas engineer to do a safety test of the gas supply, including a check on the gas metre.

But later that day, Mrs Laverie, who lives with her husband at the property, entered the house to a strong smell of gas.

National Grid was called, and a gas leak was discovered coming from the gas meter, which was then replaced.

"But I later noticed a smell of gas near the front door."

National Grid came out within a few hours of the problem being reported on last Tuesday night and found the leak.

Mrs Laverie, aged 57, said: "National Grid even had to fit another meter.

"If I had not used the front door I wonder what could have happened because there are also three bungalows in close proximity to me that could have been affected."

Richard Evans, spokesman for South Staffordshire Housing Association, said despite the meter being replaced, all relevant checks had been carried out.

He said: "A gas engineer went to the property on our behalf to check a gas cooker point as part of our work to install a new kitchen.

"He then completed a safety test of the gas supply, including the gas meter and confirmed that there were no leaks.

"A smell of gas was later reported to National Grid who attended, inspected and replaced their gas meter.

"Our information is that the proper procedures were followed and that the system was fully tested before leaving the property."

National Grid confirmed they attended the property and replaced the meter after spotting a 'gas escape'.

A spokesman said: "National Grid was called out at just before 5pm on Monday 25 January to a report of a smell of gas in the property.

"A gas escape was found on the gas meter, which the engineer replaced.

"If anyone smells gas they should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999."