I READ with interest Mr Brian Watson's comments (Letters, January) regarding the breakdown of his central heating over the Christmas period, and the lack of response from any service engineer or plumber.

I was wondering if he had contacted the engineer who carried out the annual service to his central heating, or whether he has had it serviced at all.

My point being that if the system is inspected on a regular basis, any problems that are obvious would be put right at the time of service. And he would have a contact number where he could get in touch with his engineer should any problem arise.

Also, over the Christmas period, many if not all the major suppliers and plumbers merchants are closed, making the obtaining of parts almost impossible.

While I sympathise with Mr Watson's situation, I would advise people to have their gas appliances checked out over the summer period by a CORGI registered gas service engineer, who can advise them about any foreseeable problems and point out any defects that might be present.

DAVID BAGOT, Gaswise, St Oswald's Close, Knuzden, Blackburn.

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