Heat is on for 500 happy families
£3.5m insulation scheme cuts energy bills
More than 500 families have had help slashing energy bills through a £3.5million insulation programme.
Renfrewshire Council says upgrades have made homes eco- friendly and have helped those struggling to meet gas and electricity costs.
Teams used thermal imaging cameras to identify where heat was being lost from buildings before plugging gaps.
Grandad Bruce Watt, 87, says the scheme has helped keep him warm through the winter.
He said: “It has made such a difference. My bills have come right down and I can put the heating on for an hour, head out and when I come back home I still feel the heat right away.
“The outside of the building looks so much nicer too and when I’m out people comment on how great it looks – they can’t believe we didn’t have to pay a penny.
“Now when the sunlight comes in through the windows, it doesn’t disappear again out the walls.
“My two daughters are really impressed and it’s not something I could have afforded to do myself as it would have cost thousands.
“I love it here. I have such great neighbours and everyone looks after one another. I love the views I get from my kitchen – you can see for miles on a clear day.”
Retired joiner Bruce bought his flat in Houston Road, Bridge of Weir, with his late wife almost 20 years ago.
Hundreds more homes in Linwood and Paisley will be offered the energy efficiency improvements over the next 12 months.
Councillor Marie McGurk, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s communities, housing and planning policy board, insists the project can but bills by a quarter.
She said: “We have worked hard to secure millions in Scottish Government funding, directing this to the Renfrewshire residents who need it most. The works make a real difference to the warmth and comfort of a home and are estimated to help residents save around 25 per cent on their heating bills, hugely important in tackling fuel poverty.
“There are benefits for the local environment too, with more energy efficient homes reducing our carbon footprint.”
Homes in Paisley’s Gallowhill, Bridge of Weir, Houston, Johnstone, Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch were all upgraded last year through the scheme.
Hol y rood stumped- up £ 2.4million, while the local authority earmarked £737,000 and energy company Eon contributed £500,000.
For more information on managing fuel bills, call Advice Renfrewshire on 0808 164 2922.