I have recently been contacted by residents of Guardwell Crescent in relation to a significant defect with the gas installation found at several properties on the estate.

A property on Guardwell Crescent was classed “at risk” by the Gas Safe Register earlier this year, later re-classed as “not to current standards”, when it was discovered that a copper mains pipe was buried underground without protection. A further 30 affected properties with similar or identical installations have been identified and indeed a number of constituents have contacted me with concerns that their installations may also be at risk.

This is a deeply concerning situation and I have written to the developer of this estate, Bellway Homes Ltd, to ask for their urgent attention to this matter.

Bellway Homes were responsible for the construction of this estate, and have a duty of care to the affected homeowners. They must now provide clarification of which regulations they believe the gas pipework was compliant with at the time of installation, and which properties are unlikely to meet current standards.

Most importantly, Bellway Homes must take any and all appropriate action to resolve this situation for all residents.

As yet, I have received no indication that this issue affects any other properties or estates in my constituency. However, if you feel that you may be affected by a similar defect, you may wish to ask the Gas Safe Register to carry out an inspection. Website: www.gassaferegister.co.uk / Phone:•0800 408 5500•/ Email:•enquiries@gassaferegister.co.uk.