Hotels could face gas alarm laws

A faulty boiler has been blamed for the children's' deaths

Hotels across Europe could be forced to put carbon monoxide alarms in guests' rooms after a Yorkshire MEP raised the issue with the Strasbourg parliament.

Youngsters Christi and Bobby Shepherd, from Horbury, West Yorkshire, were killed by carbon monoxide fumes in a Corfu hotel chalet in 2006.

During a debate in Strasbourg on fire safety in hotels MEP Linda McAvan said people had a right to safety.

EU Commissioner Meglena Kuneva is to meet hoteliers early next year.

Commissioner Kuneva agreed to raise the issue of installing carbon monoxide alarms with the hoteliers' representatives during a meeting in February, before any possible future Europe-wide legislation forcing hotel owners to act.

Ms McAvan said: "Awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning in people's homes is much greater now than it once was, although we must not be complacent about that.

"But when people go on holiday, they are entitled to know that they can relax in safety.

"Putting carbon monoxide alarms in hotel rooms is one easy and relatively low-cost way of putting people's minds at ease."

The two adults suffered from the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning

Commissioner Kuneva said: "I will immediately make a commitment before you that I will address this issue during our meeting with the tourist sector.

"This is not a secret; we have told you that this meeting is very much provoked by our conversation and by the very sad loss of two children."

Bobby and Christi's mother, Sharon Wood said: "Any news about progress is good news.

"But the only thing that will make us feel better is if there are assurances no other family will come home [from their holiday] without their children.

"We still live in fear of turning on the television and hearing of another carbon monoxide tragedy."

The children's father Neil Shepherd, 38, and his partner Ruth Beatson, 27, were also overcome by the gas in the bungalow at the Louis Corcyra Beach Hotel in Gouvia on Corfu.

The couple only became aware the children had died in the bungalow after they were treated for the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.