Gas meters at Halesowen flats potentially unsafe

Hundreds of people have been living with potentially unsafe gas meters for almost two years at high-rise flats in the Black Country, it can be revealed.

Emergency works are to be carried out after an inspection found gas meters at three blocks in Halesowen did not comply with safety regulations.

Dudley Council has launched an investigation into claims the meters were not safely installed in 2015 and concerns have been raised that they posed a fire risk to families.

Council bosses admitted they were concerned by the findings and promised a thorough investigation.

It is thought meters at a number of properties were not bonded, which protects from electric shocks.

The gas meters were fitted at Worcester House, Malvern House and Tenbury House, off Hill Street, between April and November 2015.

The job is believed to have been contracted to a firm now in administration by National Grid.

A report on the matter from a council officer, seen by the Express & Star, said: "I am provided with evidence even at this point in time that acknowledges some properties do not have the bonding in place.

The officer added: "Clearly the works concluded in November 2015 and some 16 months later it appears a number of properties do not have earth-bonded meters.

"I absolutely share (councillors') concerns in relation to this and have given clear instruction in respect of records and explanations that I expect to be provided to me by relevant staff."

Letters have been sent to residents informing them of the corrective works.

The letter, titled 'urgent electrical upgrade works', reads: "Following a periodic inspection (carried out in the last 12 months) on your home it has been identified that to ensure the wiring meets the Government Decent Homes standard and complies with current regulations, it needs to be upgraded.

"The extent of the upgrade work involved will require the installation of a new main water bond earth cable."

Addressing the issue at a meeting of the full council, Councillor Gaye Partridge, cabinet member for housing, said: "This matter is a concern for us all. It will be subject to a full and proper report."

Halesowen councillor Simon Phipps said he was extremely concerned by the revelations.

He said: "It is potentially an absolute miracle there have been no problems.

"I have been told there could have been a risk of electric shocks or fires and if there was a spark somewhere it could completely go up.

"I have been assured work has already started to correct the problems."