A charity today criticised a company for "putting lives at risk" after elderly householders were left to brave sub zero temperatures when their gas was turned off.

Fending for himself - resident Christopher Coote, 68 Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

Nine homes in Codenham Green, Basildon, were affected when Transco turned off their supply so they could renew pipes at around 10am on Tuesday.

But by yesterday lunchtime, more than 24 hours later, some residents were still without heating.

Ben Harding, of Help the Aged, said: "Last winter 21,800 old people in England and Wales died because of the cold weather.

Looking at this situation there is a real risk to elderly people and their welfare must be a priority. It is the responsibility of Transco to make sure if people need alternative sources of heat that it is provided."

A spokesman for Transco said: "Our engineers were there until midnight in extreme conditions. The work was expected to be completed that afternoon but due to a technical hitch that wasn't the case. It was turned back on as soon as possible."

Published Thursday January 29, 2004

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