By SARAH HARKER

AN elderly woman says she was left without heating over Christmas after the council failed to identify a problem with a gas boiler.

Despite four visits from council maintenance workers, 82-year-old Mary Brinksman, of Hale Street, Warrington, claims she was left without replacement heating when her gas boiler broke down. As temperatures plummeted, Mary's only source of heat was from her gas oven.

Problems began on Tuesday, December 19 when the pilot light on the gas boiler went out. The council was called and workmen came out, relit the light and left. When Mary attempted to turn on her radiators, the pilot light went out again. Mary says she told the workmen that each time she attempted to turn on the radiators the pilot light went out so she stayed with family members on alternate days over the Christmas period.

Marion Brinksman, Mary's daughter, said: "I'm angry because if it hadn't been for my mum having a large family nearby she would probably have frozen to death.

"The council were told time and time again that just re-lighting the pilot was no good, because as soon as she tried to get the central heating working, it went out again.

"My mum was just left to freeze, it wasn't until Friday that they gave her a small electric fire and told her that the boiler needed fixing."

Peter Mercer, assistant director of housing, said: "After the initial assessment the contractor acted appropriately, but what we can't get to the bottom of is why they had to keep going back.

"A new part for the boiler was ordered and fitted yesterday, Wednesday. I am satisfied that the contractor acted appropriately, particularly due to the adverse weather conditions and the high number of calls they received.

"There will be a full investigation and a full response will be sent to the tenant."

Mary said: "I've been so upset these last few days, my sons have tried to relight the pilot light, but it only stays on for about 10 minutes. I've been given an electric fire but it's just eating away at the electricity."