Gas still leaking after 14 repairs

Kitt Sinteff, 32, has called out gas emergency service Transco an incredible 14 times since he noticed the distinctive smell outside his front door on September 12.

Each time engineers have patched-up a leaky pipe with cladding, only for the problem to start again days and sometimes just hours later.

Mr Sinteff, of Dorset Road, said: "The ironic thing is we don't even have a gas supply. The pipe, which is in our porch area, feeds flats upstairs.

"I've been on and on at them to come and do a more permanent repair, because each time they come the gas starts escaping more or less straight away."

Mr Sinteff is worried a discarded cigarette or a spark from a light switch could triugger an explosion if the gas builds up. He shares the rented flat with partner Amy Dougherty and son Shaun, 5.

He added: "I've been reading Transco's advice on gas leaks and if I went along with that we wouldn't be able to come near the place. They even say turning a key in a lock can cause an explosion."

What made matters worse was when Transco arrived at the property mob-handed last week. Mr Sinteff was thrilled because he thought they'd come to fix his pipe, when in fact they were there to hook-up another of the flats to the gas supply.

He added: "It's like banging your head against a brick wall. They will not give me a date or even an assurance that it will be done at all. My family are at risk yet I feel I'm completely powerless."

The stench of gas was clear when the Observer went to photograph Mr Sinteff this week.

Transco insist the leak is only very minor and there is no danger of explosion. A spokesman said: "The leak has been treated with a Heat Shrink Kit and is being monitored daily. We are planning a more permanent repair and that is with our finance people currently waiting for the nod."

He could give no time scale but assured the Observer it would be: "Sooner rather than later, hopefully in the next week."

The spokesman added: "The resident can rest assured there is no danger, despite the smell."

Pictured: Kitt and Sinteff the leaky pipe.