A BOLTON man who switched to a new gas supplier claims an introductory promotion was 'hot air'.

Mr Geoffrey Oatley claims he was tempted by a promise of cheaper bills and £25 worth of gift vouchers if he signed with Northern Electric Plus Gas.

He agreed to buy his gas supply from the company and duly signed for it back in July 1998. But he is still waiting for the vouchers.

Mr Oatley, of Upton Road, Atherton, said: "The promotional pamphlet indicated that the vouchers would be sent almost immediately after registration. I have still to receive them and have rung several times to try and chase it up. In October I raised the issue and was told they would be with me within two weeks.

"I am still waiting.

"I wonder how many others who joined find themselves in the same position?

Attraction

"The cheaper gas supply was the overall appeal, but the vouchers were an added attraction. It is the principle which bothers me.

"I have been promised something which it now looks like I am not going to get."

But a spokeswoman for Northern Electric promised the BEN that Mr Oatley would receive his vouchers. She said: "We do send the vouchers off on successful completion of a contract.

"Unfortunately, we have had, for technical reasons, some delay in sending out some of the vouchers. We will be writing to Mr Oatley today to apologise for the delay and the vouchers will be placed in with the letter, which should be received early next week."

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