30 June 2008, 08/144
Electrical safety checks on council homes
West Lancs District Council is carrying out
checks on council homes to make sure they meet electrical safety
standards.
Contractors will be visiting a number of
properties over the next few weeks to check that electrical work
has been correctly carried out and to ensure that the latest safety
regulations are adhered to.
The programme of inspections has been launched
after checks revealed unsatisfactory work at a number of properties
where electrical work had recently been carried out by a
contractor.
The defects were put right immediately and an
action plan has been launched to ensure that other properties are
inspected to ensure that no similar problems exist. As the
inspections are carried out, the Council will take the opportunity
to ensure that all current electrical safety regulations are
met.
Councillor Val Hopley, portfolio holder for
housing, said: “As soon as we became aware of the issue, we drew up
a plan of action to check on all the properties involved. The
contractors are now visiting properties to carry out the
inspections and will take immediate action to remedy any faults
that we find. I’d like to reassure tenants that safety is our
highest priority – that is why we are taking this action to make
sure that all the electrical work that has been carried out is up
to standard.
“As we carry out the inspections we will take
the opportunity to make improvements where necessary to make sure
that the work meets the new electrical safety standards introduced
earlier this year, which are more strict
than the earlier regulations.”
The properties involved are in all parts of
the district. The Council will contact tenants individually when
their homes are due to be inspected. Any tenants who want further
information can contact the repairs call centre on 01695
720681.
Related information
> Tenant
information
> Housing repairs and improvements
> Tenant and resident association