New energy-saving project for homes in Wick

More than 500 homes will be insulated with external cladding between now and the end of September, thanks to a new partnership between Arun District Council and EDF Energy.

The works, which could see households save up to £150 a year on their fuel bills, have been made possible by funding from the Community Energy Saving Programme, aimed at supporting low-income households.

Energy-saving measures will be installed at homes in Heo Green, Joyce Close, Potters Mead and Whiteacre as well as a number of other roads in Wick.

Arun will provide a one-off contribution of £45,000, with the remaining cost of the scheme being funded by EDF Energy.

Councillor Roger Elkins, Arun cabinet member for housing, community care and coastal protection, said: “The added insulation will dramatically change the look of the area, but most importantly will help keep the heat in people’s homes for longer, helping to reduce residents’ fuel bills keeping their homes warm and healthy long into the future.”

The 520 eligible homes in the area are a mixture of council and privately-owned houses and flats that do not have standard wall cavities to fill so an alternative external insulation option has been found.

The insulation work will involve the permanent removal of the external hanging tiles or PVC cladding from the front and back of the houses. The walls will have external insulation fixed and will be finished with a rendered layer.

Any loft insulation will also be brought up to current standards and further grant funding will be offered to residents to upgrade old heating systems.

* Arun is also urging residents to be quick to take advantage of another scheme, Warmer West Sussex, which has been allocated £617,800 of government funding across the county to improve insulation and cut energy bills. For more information, telephone 0800 054 6815.