We're warming to free heating in East Belfast

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 30th Sep 2004

EAST Belfast Alliance MLA, Cllr Naomi Long has welcomed the latest figures on uptake of the EAGA Warm Homes Scheme in East Belfast and has called for more people to apply.

Cllr Naomi Long MLA said: " The EAGA Warm Homes scheme is funded by the Department for Social Development to help those on low incomes make their homes more energy efficient. People's homes are not only warmer as a result, but their heating bills can also be reduced.

"In East Belfast 281 homes have already been fitted with a new heating system thanks to the scheme. The most recent figures show that 17 homes in East Belfast have gained new heating systems through the initiative since July 2004. In addition, 853 East Belfast homes have been insulated with 81 projects completed since July.

"Whilst this is good news for the people that have benefited, there are clearly many more people who are eligible for the scheme but have not applied, and I would encourage people who are interested to contact my office for more information on 02890472004. There is no catch, the work is completed free of charge and applying for the scheme is straightforward.

"As autumn is upon us, now is the time for people to apply for the scheme to ensure that their homes are going to be warmer for winter.

The scheme provides grants to owner-occupiers and private tenants on low incomes to improve home heating and energy efficiency. As well as insulation measures, people over the age of 60 who are in receipt of specific benefits can gain a new heating system or have an older system converted to a more efficient system.