A disabled woman has been left without heating and hot water after council workmen cut off her gas

Marie Millar spent weeks on a life support machine after being seriously injured in a road accident in December.

Marie Millar with husband Paul, who have had their gas supply cut off Picture: ROB SAMBROOK

Colchester Council wrote to her when she was in hospital saying they needed to service gas appliances. But having had no response to a number of letters and visits, they turned up last week demanding access.

Mrs Millar took half-an-hour to get down the stairs of her home, in Heath Road in Rowhedge, and asked the workmen to make an appointment which would be more convenient.

However, later that day, they returned and cut off her supply.

A council spokesman said they had tried on a number of occasions to carry out annual servicing of gas appliances.

Due to safety obligations they were left with no option but to cut off the supply.

Mrs Millar said: "I have no problem with the council servicing the boiler, but make a proper appointment it is as simple as that.

"Council engineers came out once or twice before but I was on a life support unit. I have no water or heating. I cannot cook. I just want the gas put back on."

Mrs Millar broke both legs and arms, broke her pelvis in two places and suffered injuries to her face and one lung when she was involved in a collision with a car while crossing the road.

She was released from hospital in February and was in a wheelchair for some time. She now uses a crutch but cannot walk far and struggles to get up and down stairs.

Keith Erridge, repairs manager for Colchester Council, said they had called on Mrs Millar and written to her a number of times prior to cutting off the gas.

Published Tuesday, May 27, 2003

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