Boiling mad at heating row

Oct 12 2008 by Mr Justice, Sunday Sun

A ROW has broken out over a new heating system and boiler fitted under a Government grant.

Kay Bussey claims her heating and hot water have not worked properly since it was installed four years ago. But repeated attempts to get the problems fixed have met with failure.

She is now considering taking the matter to court.

Kay, of Spennymoor, County Durham, told me how the complaint has dominated her life since 2004. She said: “I have had a long drawn-out battle about Warm Front.

“The system continually breaks down and, on one occasion in 2006, I went without heating and hot water for six months.”

The system was once condemned by an engineer authorised by the gas watchdog CORGI.

Various attempts were made to rectify the problem by different contractors working for Warm Front operators Eaga.

At one point, a different type of system using a combi boiler was suggested but Kay turned down the offer because it meant too much upheaval.

She explained: “I need a fast solution as the winter is near and I don’t know how we are going to manage without heating.” She said the system is now working after the latest repair but has no faith it will be a permanent solution.

A spokesman for Eaga said: “While we are aware of the difficulties facing Miss Bussey, and can obviously sympathise with her situation, we feel strongly that we have met all our obligations and responsibilities regarding this installation and made every reasonable effort to resolve all matters satisfactorily.

“Clearly, it has not been possible to reach an agreement.

“Given the potential for legal proceedings we feel it would be inappropriate to comment further.”