Project to save energy in private homes

East Durham community interest company Domestic Energy Solutions will offer cavity wall and loft insulation to homeowners.

The work will be free to people on benefits.

The employed can have the improvements carried out for a standard charge of £99.

The scheme, called Go Warm Durham City, will start in the Pelaw and Gilesgate areas.

It will be extended to other parts of the city, particularly those with higher levels of deprivation, during the year.

The company, which has secured £835,000 of Government funding, will assess 3,500 homes across the district.

It will also give advice to people who need it, and fit energy saving bulbs and draught proofing.

Karen Hindhaugh, director of Domestic Energy Solutions, said: "Having the work done will save about £300 in fuel bills.

"The average cost of cavity wall insulation is £350 to £400, and loft insulation is about £200 to £240.

"Even if people have to pay the £99 standard charge to get it done, they are still making a huge saving, and they will recover the cost in the next 12 months.

"As well as saving people money, it is a great way of reducing carbon emissions.

"We will reduce about a tonne of carbon emissions a year, which is a significant amount.

"Once people have the work done, they will be able to see a benefit straight away, particularly the elderly."

Letters to people in the Pelaw and Gilesgate areas will go out next week, and will be followed up by visits from the company's assessors, all of whom are uniformed and carry photographic ID.

The scheme, which will move to Pittington, West Rainton, New Brancpeth, Ushaw Moor and then Brandon, is backed by Durham City Council.

Les Thomson, the council's cabinet member for communities, said: "Officers of the council have been investigating various options for delivery of a scheme to alleviate fuel poverty in the district."

He added that the council was committed to helping people out of fuel poverty and improving the city's energy efficiency.