SAFETY inspections to guard against carbon monoxide poisoning have begun on 17,000 Huddersfield homes following the death of a 10-year-old boy.

Building inspectors from Kirklees Council are targeting terraced homes which have flues in covered passageways between houses.

If the inspectors find a flue that they suspect is faulty or wrongly placed, workers from gas piping company Transco will be sent to inspect it.

If there is a fault, appliances that discharge via the flue may be disconnected.

Work to remedy the problem will be paid for by the homeowner, or by the landlord in rented or council accommodation.

The inspections have been organised by Transco, the council and the Health and Safety Executive following the death of Fartown boy Dominic Rodgers.

Dominic, 10, died of carbon monoxide poisoning at his home in Spaines Road in February.

Carbon monoxide had built up in a passageway between his and his neighbours' home and seeped through brickwork into the youngster's bedroom.

Kirklees coroner Roger Whittaker called for the HSE to inspect homes soon after Dominic's death. However, it has taken nine months to organise the checks.

Dominic's mother Stacey Rodgers has campaigned to raise awareness of carbon monoxide dangers since her son's death. And she has welcomed the safety inspections.

"It is a relief that something is finally being done."

Clr Andrew Cooper, Kirklees Cabinet member for housing, added: "This is a serious safety issue and the checks should help to identify any potential problems.

"If any householders are contacted about the safety of their flue, I would urge them to act on the advice they received as soon as possible - or the consequences could be fatal."

PEOPLE who have their gas appliances disconnected could be eligible for temporary heating help from Kirklees Council or Transco.

* To check whether you are eligible, contact Kirklees Council on 01484 221396.

* Those planning to switch on seldom-used appliances while their main heat or power source is disconnected, have been warned to get the items checked first.

* Jeremy Maguire, improvement manager at Kirklees Private Sector Housing Unit, said: "All homeowners are advised to get appliances checked every 12 months, regardless of this exercise."

* To get details of your nearest Corgi-registered engineer, contact Corgi on 0870 401 2300.

* Inspectors should not need to access anyone's property to carry out the checks. However, to check a worker's identity, contact Kirklees Private Sector Housing Unit on 01484 221392 or 07813 014278.