Rhianna's parents meet Government Minister

4:53pm Wednesday 19th March 2008

THE parents of baby Rhianna Hardie, who died after being scalded by boiling water, have discussed the tragic incident with a Government Minister today (Wednesday).

Matt Hardie and Charlie Haworth held talks in London with Taunton MP Jeremy Browne and Iain Wright, who is responsible for building regulations.

They heard how ten-month-old Rhianna was showered in boiling water which had backed up into a plastic cold water tank in the loft above her cot in their council home in Wellington Road, Taunton, in November 2006, due to a faulty thermostat.

Afterwards, Mr Browne said: "Mr Wright wasn't able to give any guarantees, but he was quite forthcoming and seeking to be helpful in other areas."

Mr Wright said he would look into ways of ensuring more old style thermostats were replaced in social housing.

For more details on the meeting, watch the website and see next Thursday's County Gazette.