A MOTHER of one claimed was forced to cancel her daughter's party after she was without gas for over a week. Glamour model Charlene Hart came home to find British Gas had broken in and taken the meter from her Seymour Road home.

By Amanda Cresswell

A MOTHER of one claimed was forced to cancel her daughter's party after she was without gas for over a week.

Glamour model Charlene Hart came home to find British Gas had broken in and taken the meter from her Seymour Road home.

The saga began after she moved into her mid terraced property in July – but was landed a bigger bill. Repeated efforts to prove she was the new tenant failed.

The Evening Star stepped in on her behalf – she will have the meter re-installed today.

The 19-year-old, said: "I came back home after seeing my mum, put the key in the door and it was freezing. You could even see the breath in-front of your face because it was that cold.

"Then I saw a letter on the doorstep. British Gas just broke into my home and took the metre out from the sitting room."

Her daughter, Tia's second birthday party had to be cancelled because of lack of water and heating – so Miss Hart had to spend time ringing round relatives and friends.

She was also forced to cancel modelling work. "And in my job you have to look good, but because I had no gas I missed out on a lot of work. I may not get work until the New Year."

After moving into the three bedroom home she made telephone calls and repeatedly faxed British Gas with proof that she was the new tenant, together with Rental agents JSM – but hit a brick wall.

"I even tried paying the bill but was told no because it is not in my name – the letter was to the occupier. I couldn't win," she said. "The bill was from April. I just wanted to pay the bill from when I moved in."

Richard Dymond, spokesman for British Gas, said it was perfectly legal take the meter away – done in the presence of a locksmith – because the meter is their property.

He said British Gas hadn't received complete information.

The called round on November 27 so Ms Hart could show them the documents, but she wasn't in.

He said British Gas has apologised to Miss Hart and as a goodwill gesture will waver the £40 reconnection fee and £180 security she as asked to pay.