Insulation experts, Warm Zones are celebrating after winning a contract that will mean many North Tyneside residents won’t have to suffer the misery of a cold, poorly insulated home this winter.
The contract will mean that many homes in the Borough that were previously thought of as difficult to insulate will now be targeted and work carried out to improve the property’s insulation levels and protect its occupiers from cold related illnesses.
Warm Zones are a Community Interest Company who aim to improve energy efficiency in the home, reduce fuel bills and provide a warmer, healthier home by supplying insulation and heating measures. As well as making a property substantially warmer, a properly insulated loft can lead to savings of about £120.00 off the cost of a typical home’s heating bills and coupled with cavity wall insulation, the savings can amount to as much as £300.00. Over the last five years, North Tyneside Warm Zone has assessed more than 51,000 homes and installed over 19,000 insulation measures within the Borough.
The North Tyneside work will begin soon in Whitley Bay in a complex of flat roofed homes in Charlton Court, which is predominantly occupied by older residents. Cavity wall insulation fitted in the buildings during the 1970’s using Formaldehyde Foam to help retain heat in a property has now reached the end of its natural life resulting in these homes being colder and thereby carrying an increased risk of health related problems, particularly amongst the elderly.
Alan Milburn, Zone Director of North Tyneside Warm Zone believes that the work in Charlton Court will not only ensure a warmer winter for the residents but also contribute towards a healthier one too.
“Cold, damp homes can have a really detrimental impact on the health of elderly people. We aim to carry out this work before the harsh winter really sets in and in the process make sure that no one is at risk from cold related diseases and conditions.”
Funding for the work has come from Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme.
“Thanks to the funding, many more homes in the Borough will feel the benefit of better home insulation, reduced heating bills and new heating systems as well as the potential for increased benefits income,” said Mr Milburn.
“ No one deserves to be cold in their homes this winter and with our additional funding many homes will be eligible for a grant of up to 100% of the cost of insulation improvements, including a new gas boiler or a new gas central heating system.
“I’d urge everyone to contact us to see how we can help them before the cold weather arrives with a vengeance, they’ve nothing to lose other than the prospect of a winter of discomfort.”
Ends
Photo shows the Warm Zone team L to R John Leslie,(dark red coat) Alan Milburn and Andrew Batey (bright red)
Editors Notes
The Warm Zones can be contacted on:
North Tyneside 0191 2234199
Newcastle 0191 2777373
Gateshead 0191 4771919
South Tyneside 0191 4247914
Northumberland 01670 356642