The grieving family of an elderly couple killed by carbon monoxide fumes say simple measures could prevent others suffering the same fate.

The warning to check household boilers regularly followed an inquest into the deaths of Robert and Joan Fletcher, whose bodies were found at their home in The Village, Wigginton, on March 8 last year

Mr Fletcher, 75, and his wife, 76, were both found to have died from carbon monoxide poisoning from their solid fuel boiler.

Recording verdicts of accidental death, York coroner Donald Coverdale issued an urgent warning to members of the public to check their home boilers regularly.

In evidence, Derek Taylor, of the Health and Safety Executive, said the primary cause of the emission of carbon monoxide gas into the house was the blockage of the chimney flue. He said the levels of carbon monoxide were "dangerously" high, at 750 parts per million, when there should not be any leaking into a house.

Michael Walmsley, who worked for the Solid Fuel Association, an industry watchdog, at the time of the incident, said the boiler had been poorly maintained over the eight years it had been in the house. He said that even when it was fitted, the chimney should have been changed.

He said the faults with the boiler hopper and the flue meant that very few emissions were escaping the house. He said: "It's like trying to suck on a straw when somebody has got his finger on the other end."

The boiler had been checked six months before the fatal incident but deposits on the flue had built up after the check. The warning light on the boiler when gases were not being emitted properly was not working.

Updated: 12:57 Wednesday, February 14, 2001