'I can't take it anymore' - Pensioner bombarded with gas bills in electric-only flat

A disabled pensioner has been bombarded with gas bill for 14 years – even though he only uses electricity in his flat.

Alan Eacock, 73, says he wants compensation from British Gas over the endless demands.

The energy company has now apologised and admitted it should have taken action earlier to close the account.

The Kings Norton grandfather says he’s contacted British Gas ‘thousands’ of times over the years and had eight visits from inspectors who confirmed he did not use gas. Yet the bills never stop.

Mr Eacock, a former maintenance worker, moved into his Redditch Road flat in 2000.

The father-of-two pays Npower for his electricity, but within weeks of moving in he started receiving bills from British Gas.

But despite numerous inspections from engineers, and even getting the meter removed, the bills just keep coming.

The company even referred the demands to a debt collection agency, Improved Financial Solutions Ltd.

The most recent letter delivered in August demands £30.73.

"Every time I see a new letter in the post I get really stressed, and often rip them up,” added Mr Eacock.

“I just want it to stop.

Now Mr Eacock, who suffered a stroke 17 years ago, wants to sue the energy giant for the stress caused. “I have had 14 years of hassle, phone calls and sitting in waiting for their visits.

“I just can’t take it any more.”

Leigh Franks, of British Gas, said:

"I am very sorry that we didn’t close Mr Eacock’s account when the meter was removed in April.

"We should have acted quicker, given his circumstances, to resolve the issue.

"This has now been done and Mr Eacock will not receive any more letters from us.

"We will be contacting him to apologise and to offer a gesture of goodwill."