Road show aims to bring warmth in a cold climate

A major new strategy to promote “affordable warmth” to the residents of Hambleton is going on the road after research revealed more than 2,000 households in the area are paying through the nose just to take the chill off their homes.

Fuel bills have been sent soaring for many victims of higher energy prices because large numbers of people in the area are forced to rely solely on electricity for heating.

Energy specialists were on hand at the Heating up Hambleton launch in Bedale – at the first of a series of road shows being held across the area.

Hard-up families and pensioners were given expert advice on tackling crippling fuel bills as part of a new campaign to keep warm while also slashing the carbon footprint of their homes.

The strategy underpins a council campaign to tackle fuel poverty and help people afford heating bills has been launched. The authority has teamed up with Sustainability 4 Yorkshire for the programme.

Council bosses say there are over 2,000 households across Hambleton which have to spend more than 10 per cent of their income on heating their homes to a reasonable temperature.

Living in a cold home can increase the risks of suffering from heart or respiratory illnesses, raise the likelihood of strokes and make existing illnesses worse.

Hambleton Council Cabinet member Tim Swales said: “About a quarter of the homes in Hambleton do not have access to mains gas, which is the cheapest heating fuel so the limited choice of energy supplies means less scope for reducing costs.

“Heating up Hambleton is a two year programme to raise awareness of the problems posed by unaffordable heating costs and the range of grants and advice available to tackle the problem.”

The road show handed out Information and advice about energy efficiency in the home and grants and gave out advice from the Vale and Dale Home Improvement Agency and Handyperson service.

Visitors to the road show could also undergo a benefits entitlement check and apply for home fire safety checks. And it was a showcase for solar electricity schemes and equipment including Feed in Tariffs.

Currently there are around 17 per cent of people on low incomes living in homes in Hambleton with poor energy efficiency.

But the district council wants to cut that to 1.5 per cent by 2016. It has engaged the Energy Saving Trust advice centre to see the Heating up Hambleton project through

Road shows will also be held at Stokesley Town Hall tomorrow, followed by Northallerton Town Hall on September 29 and at the Galtres Centre, Easingwold, on October 1.

For more information contact the Home Energy Efficiency Programme Coordinator, Peter Bridgstock on 01609 767092 or via peter.bridgstock@hambleton. gov.uk