A GAS leak at an independent living estate in Redditch has prompted the council to install new environmentally-friendly electric cookers.

Redditch Borough Council has said around six new electric cookers are being installed for elderly residents to replace gas cookers at the Mendip House estate in Loxley Close, Church Hill.

This comes after the gas for the cookers was turned off last week because of a pressure issue related to a leak, and it has remained switched off ever since.

However, frustrated resident Chris Moule has said she doesn't want her gas cooker changed and will not let the council 'across her doorstep.'

The 71-year-old said: "The gas went off Wednesday afternoon (June 9) and we didn't know until we went to cook.

"I don't want my cooker changed. I like to cook with gas.

"The whole thing is a fiasco. They will not get across my doorstep."

The pensioner also said she is now having to use a microwave to cook all her meals.

The council said they have made sure residents have alternative ways of cooking and heating up food.

The residents have also been given supermarket vouchers, with the new electric cookers being installed free of charge.

Councillor Matt Dormer, leader of Redditch Borough Council, said: “As a council we have been more than generous in our approach.

"The situation with low pressure has brought things to a head but we needed to address this as part of our climate emergency work anyway.

"The vast majority of the small number of people affected are delighted to get a new electric cooker.

"We have got to start using more sustainable energy.

"I'm sorry it's got to where it has - however safety is paramount and also the environment."