Hi again folks,
Thanks for all the further replies. Today's update:
Spoke to estate agent again: same story, not at all interested. Firstly wouldn't believe that I was next door neighbour because I'm no 12, and the next door is no.19. The fact that we're at the end of a cul-de-sac where the odds and evens come together escaped him. Then he suggested that there was no way I would know it was illegal. Then he said that all gas work has to be carried out by 'CORGI' so why would the vendor have used anything else?!! I explained that this would not be going away.
My wife managed to buttonhole someone else from the agent as they happened to visit the house this morning, unfortunately just after their viewer had left ahead of them. However she advised him of the situation, and said 'he's speak to the vendor' Mmmmm.
Spoke to HSE on their gas safety line. Explained the whole situation and they said they could only intervene when there was a landlord/tenant gas safety issue, not for a house that is owned! They suggested local authority building control. I know BC has been suggested on here already so I may try that tomorrow, but don't hold out much hope. Will also try Environmental Health too.
I know lots of you are suggesting deliberate damage of some sort and I am grateful for all the responses, but that sort of action is just not me. That's the way it is, please don't take it personally. Of course if the house should become occupied, I may need to take more direct action. I am thinking of putting a sign on all the windows though, as well as in the back of the house (they've left the back gate unlocked). Incidentally, it's not an outside meter, or yes, I would just turn it off. Likewise were Transco to come out and turn off the gas, it doesn't actually solve the problem long term.
Land Registry don't have any new owner data yet - apparently registration of a change of owner is compulsory but solicitors are allowed several months to send the details in, so that's a bit of a dead end for the moment.
Finally, 'Agile' - yes, please feel free to use the photo. Is it for training etc?