THE Government's top safety watchdog said last night it would "not rule out" forcing landlords to fit carbon monoxide alarms in rented properties.

The Health and Safety Executive, which says that it is enforcing tougher safety rules, said it may consider the move - but not for at least two years.

A spokeswoman said that legislation would only be introduced if the current carbon monoxide alarms were proved to be reliable.

About 30 people a year die from breathing the poison fumes from badly-maintained or faulty gas heaters or boilers.

The Northern Echo has led a campaign for four years to raise awareness of the gas.

The HSE spokeswoman said: "We are not in favour at the moment of making alarms compulsory, but the industry is working towards standards for longer-term reliability - and the door remains open on that.

"The Echo's responsible commitment to improving gas safety is very welcome."

Sheila O'Neil, of Spennymoor, County Durham, whose, daughter, Deborah, died of the poisoning, said: "There is still a long way to go - people need to be more aware and there should be more compulsory alarms fitted."

Houghton and Washington MP, Fraser Kemp, has also campaigned on the issue.

Read more about the ???? campaign here.