Gas meter madness

SHELTERED housing resident Rex Mountain has been left confused and angry after gas technicians refused to read or move his meter.

A technician from British Gas arrived at Mr Mountain's home in Boyden Court, Wisbech, took one look at the meter under his kitchen sink and said he could not move it.

"These meters have been a pain in the rear ever since the homes were refurbished three years ago," said Mr Mountain

"So many of us on the estate have got these meters in awkward places and, when you stick your head under the sink, they are still difficult to read."

The meter was due to be moved in December but when the technician arrived he said he could not do the work because it would involve moving the kitchen sink as well.

And a reading should have been taken at the beginning of January, but Mr Mountain said: "The meter reader took one look at it, said he could not read it and walked out.

"It might be difficult to read it but to not even try and read it was a little bit over the top."

Mr Mountain, who subsequently received an estimated bill, said: "I tried to read the meter a few months ago and I could not get up so had to call the emergency services to pick me up.

"But the housing warden can read it and my niece has come over and read it. So why this fellow was not able to read it, I will never know.

"It is very difficult to read, but if the meter cannot be read very well and they cannot change the meter where does it leave me?"

A British Gas spokesman said that if Mr Mountain wanted to have his meter moved he would need to contact Transco which owns the meter and the piping leading to it.