Bridgwater and West Somerset Conservative MP Ian Liddell-Grainger is backing an initiative to improve domestic gas safety in the South West.
He has offered his support for the Gas Safe charity’s campaign after the release of figures showing more than 2,600 homes in the region have been classed as either ‘at risk’ or ‘immediately dangerous’ because of gas-related defects
Gas Safe has now taken its campaign to all MPs, backed by some frightening statistics: at least 40 people a year die of carbon monoxide poisoning in the UK while a further 4,000 have to be admitted to hospital. There are also numerous cases abroad involving British holidaymakers.
The charity supports a wide-reaching programme of practical work to help those most at risk, from improvement grants to educational programmes in schools.
Mr Liddell-Grainger said it was now essential for local agencies which worked with vulnerable groups in the community to take advantage of the help being offered.
“Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent killer but the 40 lives it clams each year is far too high a number,” he said.
“I now want everyone involved in the care of vulnerable people to make use of the free assistance it is offering. Doing so really could save lives.”