Complaints about the gas industry in Scotland fell by more than a quarter last year to just over 5,700.

The good news is being cautiously welcomed by the Gas Consumers Council.

But a report published by the organisation on Friday highlights that the majority of customer dissatisfaction relates to problems arising from the introduction of competition into the domestic market.

There is concern about the activities of door step salesmen working for supply companies and about the quality of service offered to customers.

The council believes more training should be given to staff and service levels should be raised by gas suppliers if the number of complaints against them is to fall.

If action is not taken, a new gas regulator - which is expected to be established by legislation - will have the power to fine companies.

Transco, the company in charge of the safe transportation of gas throughout the Britain, also recorded an increase in complaints.

Industry improvements

Most of those were related to delays with meter work.

Throughout the UK, the gas watchdog received nearly 300,000 calls in 1998, an 8% increase on the previous 12 months.

It said at the time the figures were released that the industry would have to make improvements.

The consumers' council added that far too many of the complaints concerned issues which individual gas companies should have been able to resolve themselves.

It added that gas suppliers should ensure that front-line staff are adequately trained to deal with customer's problems on a first attempt.