Tenants urged to allow safety checks

Fears that many are refusing to have the vital annual safety checks carried out over coronavirus concerns

West Lothian Council has urged its tenants not to abandon plans for gas servicing in the midst of the Covid-19 outbreak.

The fear is that many are refusing to have the vital annual safety checks carried out.

A spokesman for the council said that many tenants whose gas services were due were not making arrangements.

He said: “We understand that tenants may have some concerns about allowing building services staff access to their property. However Building Services is experiencing a higher number of properties where the residents are not engaging regarding annual gas services. Even during the current outbreak, we have a legal responsibility to carry out gas servicing and when carrying out this work tenant’s safety, the safety of the tenant’s family and the safety of our staff is of the utmost importance to us. That’s why the service follows all official Government health advice when undertaking the work.

“If a tenant is due a gas service they should be aware that Building Services will continue to notify them via letter or a phone call. If they receive a letter they are asked to please contact our Customer Service Centre immediately on 01506 280000 to make an appointment.

“If a tenant has any questions about granting access to allow this vital work, they should call 01506 280000 and the technical team will phone you back.”

For more updates from the service, visit the West Lothian Council website - https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/article/50759/Housing-Updates

The council has also been forced to cancel face to face advice sessions for people using the Housing Options Service because of the Covid-19 outbreak, but the service continues to operate by phone and email.

Anyone requiring housing advice should contact 01506 280000 (Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm, Friday 8.30am to 4pm). For the out of hours service please contact 01506 280000/0800 032 3450. Alternatively get in touch via email housingoptionsadvice@westlothian.gov.uk