Cadent Gas has issued a safety warning to Oldham after the borough saw a 'significant increase' in carbon monoxide calls.

Engineers from Cadent, the region’s gas emergency service, responded to 361 CO-related jobs in Oldham in 2023/24, a 30 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

Only eight other areas in the North West recorded a higher number than Oldham.

Cadent say that the statistics are representative of the 'critical need' to raise carbon monoxide awareness.

They are urging home and other property owners to carry out checks on any fuel burning appliances, such as central boilers and log burners.

The company released the statistics at the end of carbon monoxide awareness week, which was November 18 to November 24.

Paula Steer, North West Network Director, Cadent, said: “On the one hand, it is encouraging that people are contacting the gas emergency service if they suspect carbon monoxide. It is exactly the right thing to do, to ring 0800 111 999 immediately.

“However, we are also concerned that this is further evidence of another worrying trend. We commissioned research this year which told us that almost 30 per cent of people are only getting their boilers serviced every two years, or less often than that.

“This is a big worry – I can’t stress enough just how important it is to get your boiler serviced every year.

“You can’t smell carbon monoxide, and you can’t see, taste or hear it. An annual safety check, by a Gas Safe registered engineer, is your best way to protect you and your family.”

Cadent Gas said it invested £3.6m into carbon monoxide education and awareness campaigns, including award-winning activities for schools.

Cadent-funded classroom-based programmes reached more than 120,000 children last year and the company says they have seen evidence that the courses have resulted in raised awareness.

Through its partnerships with local community centres, fire services, and others, and through its own engineers’ visits to homes, Cadent distributed more than 109,000 carbon monoxide alarms last year, for free, in high-risk areas.

CO alarms can also be purchased through many online retailers and in lots of shops, such as DIY stores and supermarkets.

Cadent is urging all property owners to get their gas appliances serviced every year, by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

You can find an engineer local to you at gassaferegister.co.uk