Scheme to help residents keep out winter chill

THE UK is sweltering through one of the hottest summers on record.

But a new council scheme aims to help reduce energy bills for residents to ensure they’re not left out in the cold once the heatwave ends.

Householders can get free energy saving measures such as draft insulation, hot water cylinder covers and radiator foils.

Some people may also be able to get loft and cavity wall insulation.

The council, working with Energyworks and Groundwork, has also secured money from the Warm Homes Fund to install 40 A rated central heating systems free of charge in homes which don’t currently have gas central heating.

The National Grid Warm Homes Fund is designed to help households living in fuel poverty across the country who struggle to pay for heating and are relying on expensive or inefficient systems. The ●●Coun Linda Robinson (inset), assistant cabinet member for housing, announced the new scheme, which may see some homes getting loft insulation council has also contributed money to the project.

Coun Linda Robinson, assistant cabinet member for housing at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “With the fantastic weather we’ve been enjoying of late, I’m sure preparing their homes for winter will be the last thing on most people’s minds, but now is actually a great time to start planning.

“This financial support will only be available for a limited amount of time and, by getting their homes ready now, our residents will start saving the moment the temperature drops. This scheme could help households save up to £175 a year, so it’s definitely touch.”

Residents who would like to find out more can phone the Energyworks team on 0161 785 7417 or email: energyworks@ groundwork.org.uk worth getting in