Magna Housing Association has been branded 'a disgrace' after the Free Press revealed pensioners living in sheltered housing were left without central heating through the depths of winter.

The MP for West Somerset, Ian Liddell-Grainger, is seeking a meeting with Magna's board of directors, in response to an ongoing investigation by the Free Press which has exposed apparent failings by Magna.

Commenting, Mr Liddell-Grainger said “I am requesting a meeting with the Magna board and I want some answers as to why this situation has arisen

“It is utterly unacceptable to leave vulnerable pensioners shivering in their homes in the very depths of winter. I am completely shocked that Magna has not, apparently been taking this situation seriously and devoting the appropriate resources to resolving it as urgently as possible.

“Magna used to have a pretty decent reputation but I am afraid this shows a cynical disregard for the wellbeing - and indeed the health - of its tenants. It is a disgraceful state of affairs and I intend to find out precisely why it has been allowed to happen.”

Responding to the comments a spokesperson for Magna said: “We take our customers’ welfare extremely seriously. Our teams have been working to urgently resolve the heating issues and to support customers by providing additional temporary heating, reimbursing heating costs and discussing possible alternative accommodation if necessary while their heating is being fixed.  

“We would welcome a meeting with Mr Liddell-Grainger to explain how we are supporting our customers.”