Nicola hears of E.ON saga

First minister meets residents over ‘botched energy scheme’fears

Residents of a troubled Toryglen housing estate were joined by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon as they pointed out their concerns over what they call a botched energy scheme.

E.ON Energy Services were employed by Thistle Housing Association to carry out improvements to 608 homes in a bid to make them more energy efficient.

Roofs and windows were replaced on many buildings as was the render and insulation.

But the 12-week project has been beleaguered with problems and is now more than a year past its original completion deadline.

Ms Sturgeon, the constituency MSP for the area, intervened in the saga in March demanding that a realistic programme of works be developed by E.ON setting out how and when work would be completed.

Houses where work had been started months ago but not been finished were due to be completed by May and the overall project done by the end July.

But residents say the completed work is not up to standard.

Ian Paterson, who has lead a campaign to demand action and answers as to how this scheme has failed so badly, said there was a serious problem with new roofs and gutters.

He said: “The rain water is coming down and the new roof, the tiles come down and stick out over and past the gutter so the rain water is lashing down on to the render. It is then seeping into the insulation and damp is forming in people’s homes.

“God knows what will happen now, it might all have to come off and be done again.

“The residents are so demoralised and upset with the whole thing.”

Ms Sturgeon, who completed a walk around with residents and E.ON officials on Friday, said: “It was useful and constructive and my constituents have been given assurances regarding the matters which were causing them concern.

“I’m determined to see these problems resolved and will be happy to seek the same kind of assurances for any Toryglen constituents who have raised concerns about the building works if they contact my office.”

A spokesman for E.ON said all of the original phases of work have now been completed, but have to be signed off by Thistle Housing Association before the remedial works get underway.

He said no deadline had been set for these repairs, but added: “We remain grateful for the patience of residents during this project which will provide long-term benefits for the area including the reduction of fuel poverty and carbon emissions.

“E.ON remains totally committed to ensuring all works are completed and we will continue to work with Thistle Housing to this end.”

A spokeswoman for Thistle Housing Association said: “We welcome our local MSP Nicola Sturgeon’s visit to Toryglen to speak with E.ON and a small number of our residents about the works programme. We have been in ongoing liaison with Ms Sturgeons’ office to keep her up to date on activity as it progresses.

“Whilst there is still work to be done ahead of project completion, activity is progressing and Thistle continues to work tirelessly to ensure the end product will meet the high standards expected by the housing association, residents and all funding partners.”

Residentsaresodemoralisedandupsetwiththewholething