AN urgent meeting is to be held by local MP Ian Liddell-Grainger with Magna Housing Association directors to discuss ‘disgraceful’ widespread heating system failures in its West Somerset properties.

Following a special investigation by the Free Press, Mr Liddell-Grainger is also asking for any Magna tenants whose problems have not yet been flagged up to contact him.

Scores of tenants, many elderly and disabled, have been left shivering because of failing air source heat pumps.

Magna provided some residents with electric heaters as a temporary measure but, said Mr Liddell-Grainger, they were largely inadequate for keeping homes warm during weeks of cold weather.

Mr Liddell-Grainger said he had been appalled to learn quite how many properties had been affected.

He said: “Clearly, there is a generic problem with the heat source technology.

“Equally, Magna needs to get a grip and start sorting it out immediately because to leave older and sometimes infirm tenants shivering in weather such as we have been having is completely unacceptable.

“In the past, Magna was regarded as a reputable organisation but the way it has allowed this crisis to develop is disgraceful and shows it in a far less favourable light - a point I shall have no hesitation in making to the directors when I meet them.

“Meanwhile, if there are any tenants who are experiencing problems but who have not yet been contacted by Magna I would urge them to get in touch with my office immediately.”