Maxine Clark said she is furious with the company for the way it has chased a small debt as her family coped with the tragic death of Ian Howland.

Mr Howland was killed when his Harley Davidson motorcyle collided with a tractor and trailer last August. In the aftermath of the 43-year-old's death, British Gas sent a letter asking for payment of a £30 electricity bill.

This was followed by seven further letters, sent at a rate of almost a letter a week, each one becoming more and more demanding.

The second last message said legal action was being arranged, then, just six days later, British Gas sent another which threatened to send staff round to force their way into Mr Howland's Adams Grove house. The debt the company was chasing was less than £150.

Ms Clark said: "I think the way the company has behaved disgracefully. They were told that Ian had died but they kept sending the letters, and it wasn't even for a large amount of money.

"They caused a lot of distress, but imagine if those letters had gone to an elderly widow. They really need to look at the way they work."

The demand letters were dealt with by Keith Jackson, Mr Howland's former financial adviser.

Mr Jackson said: "The way British Gas has behaved beggars belief. I told them the bill would be paid from Ian's estate, there was no problem with that, and that they should stop sending the letters, but they kept coming. I was telling all the companies Ian was involved with, and T-mobile even waived his £30 bill.

"It looks to me like the letters I was sending British Gas just haven't got through and they have kept reeling off all these letters. I knew Ian very well and was gutted by his death, obviously Maxine was devastated. She really could have done without the extra distress."

A spokesperson for British Gas said: "We are very sorry for the family's loss during this very difficult time and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

"We have now updated this account and the family should receive no more reminders."