British Gas Homecare negligence

kingwheels1

Hello there
My parents are pensioners and recently had their central heating boiler serviced by British Gas. The Engineer mentioned that although the boiler was getting old he would pass it as it was still in good working order. One week later in the middle of the night my parents Carbon Monoxide detector sounded its alarm and prompted my parents to call the Britsh Gas Emergency hotline.
They were told to shut off their gas and an engineer would be sent out in the morning. The engineer that arrived gave the boiler a thorough examination and conceded that it would need to be replaced. He also stated that he could not understand how the previous engineer had passed the boiler. It seems that the original engineer did not remove a panel to see the full extent of the problem.
My parents dont like to cause a fuss and naively accepted British Gas's offer of a new boiler for a shockingly expensive price. I have since cancelled this, got their deposit back and gained various quotes from elsewhere.
Are British Gas at fault for not recognising a fault on the boiler at the original service? If it wasnt for the fact that they had a Carbon monoxide detector i dread to think what may have happened.

Trinitrotoluene

Report him here: http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/help/make_a_complaint.aspx

Formally write to British Gas and complain. Tell them you have reported them and their engineer for severe negligence to the regulatory body. Also tell them you are seeking legal advice with a view to take action against them.

Got to say your story is absolutely shocking - BG should be ashamed.

bigpound

Seems to be a bit of a co-incidence that there's a monoxide leak after the engineer visit. Sounds like the engineer fiddled with something, intentional or unintentional..

Zandoni

bigpound wrote: »

Seems to be a bit of a co-incidence that there's a monoxide leak after the engineer visit. Sounds like the engineer fiddled with something, intentional or unintentional..

That's the same as saying that the gas engineer may have tried to murder the elderly couple.

Do as Trinitrotoluene said, but bear in mind it may have been a coincidence.

kingwheels1

Thanks for your replies.
I have already contacted BG and made a formal complaint.
They replied last night saying that it has now been passed onto their Customer Relations Department and I will be contacted very soon.
The BG Sales rep dropped round to my folks house again last night to bring them their deposit back as they had given him £300.00 in cash! Whilst he was there he knocked £1000.00 off his original quote.....apparantly as a gesture of goodwill due to the "problem" they suffered. I think that speks volumes that they realise that they could be liable and are trying to make it look as though they are doing my parents a Big favour.
I've actually just spoken to my Dad who has informed me that they have accepted this quote!!!! He also informed me that he doesnt want to take this any further with any action against BG......Unfortunately he is of the generation that seem to get on with things without causing a fuss.
I'm going to still try and push a compliant through even though I know he wont thank me for it. Not sure how far i will be able to take it without his full support.
Pensioners!!!