Pembrokeshire Council writes to hundreds of wood-burner owners

Pembrokeshire County Council’s public protection department has written to all householders in the County who are known to have their wood or coal burning stoves installed by SM Poole of Johnston.

The late Mr Poole pleaded guilty to regularly fitting wood burning stoves in Pembrokeshire contrary to legal requirements. He was also supposed to supply and fit carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, which he failed to do.

The letter reminded the 500+ known customers of SM Poole to get their stoves checked and offered a free carbon monoxide detector to people who do not already have one.

By teaming up with Public Health Wales, Hywel Dda University Health Board, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and HETAS, the County Council has been able to obtain carbon monoxide detectors and arrange distribution through local leisure centres.

So far, more than 160 people have taken up the offer of a free carbon monoxide alarm.

However, having a carbon monoxide alarm should not be a substitute for having the stove checked and regularly serviced.

“We are still very concerned that there could be many incorrectly fitted stoves in the county, which are potentially dangerous,” said Cllr Huw George, Cabinet Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services.

He added: “The use of incorrectly-fitted wood or coal-burners can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas. You can’t see it, taste it or smell it but it can kill quickly without warning.

“We also know that there are many customers of SM Poole which were not registered, and therefore we cannot write to them. We are urging them to get their stoves checked as well.”

Letters have been sent to all local installers registered with HETAS (the Heating Equipment Testing & Approval Scheme) advising them of how to best support Mr Poole’s customers if they are directly contacted for assistance.

Local GPs and Accident & Emergency Departments have also been informed of the situation and reminded of the symptoms associated with carbon monoxide exposure.