NATIONAL GRID has come under fire from a New Barnet business for overcharging to provide security advice.

Eden Clinic, in Bulwer Road, had its gas meter stolen at the end of November, which was replaced by National Grid the following day.

The owners then asked for advice on how to prevent it happening again – but were astounded when they were told it would cost £480 plus VAT for a surveyor to visit, plus further charges for any work carried out.

Adam Leighton, co-owner of the acupuncture and chiropody clinic, said the charges were “unreasonable”, and the company should offer free advice

He said: “When it was pointed out the potential disaster of the meter being stolen again, National Grid customer audit sales team and managers were not remotely interested. Pay up or they aren’t visiting.

“We said it was unreasonable on the basis we were trying to take appropriate action to make it safe and they should help us.

“This theft could have morphed into a mini disaster, say by someone tossing a cigarette by the exposed gas pipe work, resulting in an explosion - the outcome of which doesn’t bear thinking about.”

He added: “I think it is disappointing on the basis there is a safety issue involved, and given a different story it could have been far more serious.

“The fact someone stole the meter with a total disregard to the safety of those walking by beggars belief. We reported the incident to the police but no one came down to check for finger prints.”

Mr Leighton, of Brookmans Park, said one National Grid engineer told him gas meter thefts were becoming more widespread.

He said: “The real concern is the fact when the meter was stolen the gas was left running. There could have been an explosion, and the engineer who replaced the meter said he had been at a block of flats earlier where 12 meters had been stolen.

“This is not a one off event, there is obviously something going on and the National Grid need to come up with some solutions. It could have been a disaster.”

A National Grid spokesman said: “We were called to the property on November 26 to a gas escape. The engineer made safe and the matter was passed onto a metering engineer. A metering engineer visited the property and fitted a new meter.

“Safety is a priority for National Grid and we go to great lengths to promote gas safety. We’re looking into the complaint and we’re happy to discuss any concerns the customer may have with them.”