Concerns over standard of workmanship on Green scheme

QUESTIONS are being asked about the standard of workmanship on a “green” technology scheme in a Yorkshire town.

Residents of properties in Heron Close at Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury have complained about roof leaks caused by poor installation of solar panels and a waste water recycling system which no longer works.

They have also complained about a “sun room” which is supposed to warm the homes but is actually making them draughty, according to tenants. The 30 properties are owned by a community association but Kirklees Council is looking at finding some of the estimated £136,000 needed for remedial works on the sun room.

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It is envisaged that £6,200 will have to be spent on each of 22 properties just to put right the sun rooms.

More cash will be needed to remove and renew the PV (photovoltaic) solar panels. A council report says that £90,000 of the money needed could come out of a Dewsbury regeneration pot.

It says European funding was used to fit the PV system back in 2003 as a pilot project.

The report, to be discussed by members of the council’s cabinet today, adds: “The tenants of the houses on Heron Close are reporting a number of issues with the technology which has been installed – for example, the grey water system is not working, the heat sink room is being used as a (draughty) conservatory and poor installation methods with the PV are causing roof leaks.” Questions over the standards of workmanship are being asked by Green Councillor Andrew Cooper, who said: “Solar panel warranties are for 25 years. I want to ask what sort of warranty was given here.

“It is reliable technology usually. This doesn’t sound like issues with the technology, but with the way it was installed.”