PEOPLE renting council houses should not be afraid of getting their gas mains checked despite Covid.

That is the message from Oxford City Council and its contracting company ODS.

The company is legally bound to carry out checks to make sure gas heating systems are safe.

But the council has urged people living in social housing to book a gas test ahead of winter because it is 'more than a legal requirement – checking the safety of gas equipment saves lives.'

ODS employs eight staff to carry out gas safety checks in council properties. Between July and September they completed 1,945 checks across the city to make sure the appliances are safe and council tenants are protected from risks arising from carbon monoxide exposure or gas explosion.

Gas safety staff maintain social distancing and wear protective gear, according to ODS.

Paul Concannon, ODS’ Director of Property Services, said: “We make every effort to improve the delivery of our services and ensure that tenants continue to feel safe and satisfied with our work.”

To make an appointment to have gas appliances checked email gasteam@odsgroup.co.uk or phone 01865 249811.