Disabled man 'left without central heating'

Article date : 22/07/2010

A disabled man from Perth has been forced to use a portable radiator to stay warm, claiming that he has been unable to use his home's central heating systems.

According to the Courier, William Swinton, from Ballinluig, alerted Perth and Kinross Council some time ago to inform it that his central heating was no longer working.

Engineers were sent round and recommended that he have a new boiler installed, before taking away his storage heaters and fireplace ready for the new appliance.

However, the 61-year-old claimed that he never received confirmation that the new boiler was set to be fitted, meaning he has been reliant on a portable radiator for heat which has caused his electricity bills to treble.

"I understand you cannot install a new heating system immediately, but five months seems a bit ridiculous," he said.

A council spokesperson said the local authority was doing all it could to resolve the situation and that it was considering reimbursing Mr Swinton for the excess he has paid on his utility bills.

New boilers are now required to be of the efficient condensing type - a model that can help to reduce both bills and carbon emissions.

Written by Tony Harrison

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