The main stop cock on the water supply into my house has decided to fail and can now only be turned partially off.  (It is one of the tap-type with 15mm compression fittings at either end)

This stop cock was fitted by me quite some years ago when the previous one failed and has been turned off/on several times each year since in order to keep it operational.

I know of several friends who have had similar problems resulting in the stop cock having to be replaced.

My questions are these:
Does the stop cock have to be the tap-type or could I use some other type of fitting - a lever-operated ball valve, a service valve or a gate valve to name a few?
Would any of these be less prone to failing?
Are there any regulations which come into play here?

I do not need to reduce the mains pressure as in normal service the stop cock is fully open.  The water in my area is quite hard but build up of scale is not a problem on the mains supply.

Any help/advice much appreciated.

Thanks for the reply.

My current installation (house built early 70's) does not have a check valve - do I have to install one now if I replace the existing stop cock ??

I've also got a "Water Switch" which I am intending to install for use when I want to shut off the water supply before going away for holidays (the stop cock is behind a panel which is screwed to the wall).

Would the sequence of fittings be:
Incoming main
Stop Cock or Ball Valve
Water Switch
Double Check Valve
Plumbing to rest of house

Cheers.