Housing officer prevents tragedy at Wath house

Melanie, who works for Rotherham Borough Council, noticed a strong smell of gas while visiting Ann Cornwall’s house in Wath and immediately called the National Gas Emergency Service.

Ann said: “I was extremely grateful that Melanie detected the gas leak and got me help quickly. I wouldn’t have known what to do otherwise. It could have so easily ended in tragedy.”

Melanie said: “It’s all part of the job. Although I was only there on a routine visit to check our details were up-to-date and that everything was okay with the tenancy, there was no way I would have left without alerting Ann to my concerns.

“It just goes to show the added value of these visits and the benefits of keeping in touch with our customers.”

A council spokesman said every council house in the borough has an up-to-date gas safety certificate.

If you think you can smell gas call the the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111999.