Hardest to heat homes in Rochdale prove no match for Mr Toast

Residents in some of the hardest to heat homes in the borough are on their way to tumbling energy bills now that the Get Me Toasty scheme is giving their properties an eco-friendly makeover.

The homes in Oldham Road, Rochdale are all solid wall properties, which tend to lose significant amounts of heat and are notoriously difficult to insulate.

Under the Get Me Toasty scheme, Rochdale Council has joined forces with Dyson Energy Services to deliver the solid wall insulation required to reduce heat loss. And now the residents are looking forward to shaving up to a £490 a year from their bills.

Get Me Toasty uses money from the eco energy obligation which the government places on energy companies to help fund energy efficiency programmes.

The scheme, which is operating across Greater Manchester, also funds a range of other improvements designed to make homes warmer and reduce energy bills, including boiler replacements, cavity wall and loft insulation.

Rochdale Council is working on the project with approved installers Dyson Energy Services, who carry out the work.

People living in certain postcode areas or those in receipt of benefits may be able to qualify for the energy saving improvements at no cost.

Councillor Sultan Ali, Cabinet Member for Stregthening at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “With so many families struggling to heat their homes, schemes like Get Me Toasty are incredibly important.

"We’re very excited about the Oldham Road project because solid wall homes are extremely difficult to treat, but we were determined that nobody should lose out on the chance to save money because of the type pf property they live in. We’re pleased that these residents will start reaping the benefits of this work immediately.”

The work on the seven properties in Oldham Road, which will take around four weeks to complete, will see contractors fit foam insulation to the outside of the properties before coating it with a layer of render to seal it in.

As most of the work is being carried out externally, residents can expect minimal disruption. Homes in Pilling Street, Spotland, will also benefit from solid wall insulation in the coming weeks alongside properties in Rodney Street in Castleton.

Anyone who would like to find out more about the Get Me Toasty scheme and whether they qualify can call 0800 009 3363 or visit www.getmetoasty.com