DOZENS of homes in Stevenage will be warmer and more environmentally friendly this winter after taking advantage of a funding scheme for heating and insulation. Around 5,500 homes in Stevenage are eligible for a Warm Front grant which could give household

DOZENS of homes in Stevenage will be warmer and more environmentally friendly this winter after taking advantage of a funding scheme for heating and insulation.

Around 5,500 homes in Stevenage are eligible for a Warm Front grant which could give householders up to £4,000 to help pay for energy saving measures, including loft insulation and central heating.

Since September this year an estimated 180 homes have successfully applied for a Warm Front grant and nearly £50,000 has gone towards upgrading their heating and insulation systems.

Those suitable for a Warm Front grant include residents over 60, people who suffer from a long term illness or disability, women who are pregnant or those with a child under 16.

To qualify, people need to be receiving an income or disability benefit and live in their own home or rent from a private landlord.

Executive councillor for environment and e-government Richard Henry said: "We would encourage anyone who qualifies for the Warm Front scheme to take full advantage of it.

"Anything that makes your home more energy efficient will save you money and also be more environmentally friendly."

To find out more, contact the free Warm Front helpline on 0800 3162814 quoting reference MK550.