I WAS absolutely appalled to read that Durham City Council had no replacement carbon monoxide detectors (Echo, Aug 7).

How on earth could the council have allowed themselves to get into this position? Why did they not have back-up stock of such an important item?

The leader of the Liberal Democrat-run council, Councillor Fraser Reynolds, said that the council was waiting for stocks to arrive from China. Why?

Gas safety watchdog Corgi said that detectors are available from retailers. Shouldn't the council buy replacements immediately?

Obviously, ordering from a supplier that is getting stocks from China is cheaper for the council, but what price do you put on the health and safety of our pensioners?

Ordering from China saves the council money. Carbon monoxide detectors save lives. What's more important?

Mrs Lesley Catterson, Brandon, Durham.