A HELLIFIELD couple who were told they had to make 40-mile round trips to add credit to their pre-payment electricity card, can finally expect their problems to be resolved.

Les and Maxine Allen, who live in Kendal Close, have been having problems with their electricity metre since they moved there in November from Settle.

To make the situation worse, Mr Allen, who is 69, suffers from breathing problems and requires the use of an electric nebuliser at least four times a day.

The couple's supplier is British Gas and both the electricity and gas are supplied through separate metres by the same company.

Credit is put on the cards at a variety of outlets, mostly post offices, garages and newsagents and the card is then inserted into the metre. As power is used, the credit comes off the card.

However, while no problems have arisen with the gas card, the couple have constantly had problems with their electricity card and feared the credit on it would run out while Les requires the use his nebuliser

"Les has a mixture of chest problems known as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and needs to use a nebuliser at least four times a day, even through the night.

"I'm worried that the money will run out on the card during the night and the nearest place I can get credit on the card is Cross Hills. There is no outlet locally within Skipton, Settle or Hellifield that does it now," said Mrs Allen.

She said that initially the problems were that money could be put on the card, but the meter wouldn't recognise it. Three times she was issued with new cards.

"I have to ring a number with the receipt to get them to do anything. Now they are bringing out a new Smartcard, but the nearest place I can use it is Cross Hills," she said.

"We haven't had any correspondence from them at all to explain why we are having such trouble. Everything has been said over the phone," explained Mr Allen.

"They have really given us the run around. The thing is, when I get breathless I need to use it straight away. After even just half an hour I would be struggling for breath," he added.

Mark Duffell, communications officer with British Gas said: "Vulnerable customers are always a priority for us and we are truly sorry that Mr and Mrs Allen are unhappy with the service they have received from British Gas.

"We are keen to resolve this issue for them as quickly as possible and had offered them a credit meter, which would mean they wouldn't have to charge their card up in the future but would pay for their gas and electric after they have used it. However, Mrs Allen has told us that she doesn't want that.

"We have now offered to send them a new card which we are confident will enable them to pay for their electricity much closer to home along with a substantial gesture of goodwill and we will be keeping in touch with them to make sure they are happy."