Warm welcome for fuel poverty scheme (From The Northern Echo)

Warm welcome for fuel poverty scheme

3:33pm Monday 20th February 2012 in Stockton News

PEOPLE are starting to feel the benefits of a new initiative to eradicate fuel poverty with the help of a £3.9m project.

The first stage of the scheme has just begun, with external cladding and internal measures including heating, insulation and draught proofing being installed at more than 50 properties in Ta rring Street, Stockton.

One of the first people to take full advantage of the GoWarm Parkfield scheme is a woman who suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Mary Moran, 59, who has lived in Ta rring Street for more than seven years, said: "The house has always been cold, but the health problems I've had in recent years have made it even more of an issue.

"I can now look forward to spending time at home with my children and grandchildren, without having to have the heating on all day or add extra layers of clothing when moving from room to room."

Households in Parkfield that do not automatically qualify for the GoWarm Parkfield scheme can still apply for heavily-subsidised energy efficiency measures, including cavity wall and loft insulation, as well as free energy efficiency and benefits advice from GoWarm's team of experienced assessors.

Councillor David Rose, Stockton Borough Council's cabinet member for the environment, said: "Fuel poverty is a huge challenge, with rising energy prices, and the people living in the least energy-efficient homes also often suffering most from reduced household income.

"This scheme shows that, even in tough times, councils can make a difference to people's lives."

For more information, visit gowarm. org. uk, call 01642-605130 or call in to the GoWarm Parkfield office in Blue Post Ya rd, Stockton.