15/10/2009
Pensioner Tony Kerr is the first person in the Ballymena area to receive assistance from the New Warm Homes scheme to help improve his home heating system.
A high efficiency oil fired central heating system has been installed in Mr Kerr’s flat by Scheme Manager H&A Mechanical Services, who are responsible for delivering the Warm Homes scheme in the Ballymena area.
Introduced by the Department of Social Development to tackle fuel poverty, providing insulation and heating measures, the Warm Homes Scheme is available to owner occupiers and those who rent from private landlords. Applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria and be in receipt of a qualifying benefit with no central heating, solid fuel heating, Economy 7 or Liquid Petroleum Gas heating.
Martin Collins, Contract Director with H&A Mechanical Services, said: “The scheme targets people on low incomes who need to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. After an application is approved, a survey is carried out within six weeks to determine what is required to make the home warmer as well as more energy efficient to run in the long term.
“We also provide energy advice based on each house and address any queries or concerns that people may have about the process. Our household liaison officers then work alongside the householder and/or landlord to plan the most suitable time for the installation.
“Once the job is complete, we return to ensure the householder is happy and that the systems are properly installed and operating.”
Retired butcher Tony said: “I am delighted with my warmer home and was really impressed with how quickly and neatly the system was installed. I am looking forward to a more comfortable winter in which I will not have to make the fire every day and will have heat and hot water available at the touch of a button.”
North Antrim MLA Declan O’Loan said: “It is great to see how Tony has benefited from the scheme. We are approaching the long winter period, so this is the ideal time for people to ring the freephone number to find out if they can avail of the scheme.”
To find out if you qualify, call the Warm Homes scheme for free on 0800 988 0559.