RESIDENTS in Blackburn are 78 per cent more likely to be disconnected by their gas supplier than homeowners in other parts of the country.

New figures, published by campaign group Energywatch North West today, show that 158 homes were disconnected for gas alone in 2003.

As part of its campaign to eventually end disconnections, the consumer watchdog will present this evidence to the influential Trade & Industry Select Committee, at Westminster.

Director of energywatch North West David Sidebottom said: "I just don't see how disconnecting over 158 gas consumers in Blackburn in 2003 supports the energy firm's words about corporate social responsibility."

He added: "There are far too many people disconnected, or threatened with disconnection in error.

"Consumers caught up in this madness tell us that they can't understand how the firms are allowed to behave like this.

"If they can't get it right they should lose the right to disconnect people."