"Saeed" wrote in message
...
The chimney breast in the bedroom has been bricked up where there used
to a gas fire, and white ventilation grill thingy fitted.

The trouble is on windy days there is a distinct chimney soot smell in
the room around the chimney breast. I have thought of using masking tape
over the ventilator but the this would defeat the true purpose of
having one.

Is there anything I can do about this?

When I suggested capping I didn't make it clear that the cap should allow
air circulation. The ones I use have a shallow cone over the chimney pot and
a gap for the air to leave. This is why the wind catches it and sometimes
sooty blackbirds fall down it into my stove (unlit!)

Peter Scott