Residents to slash bills as Mr Toast pops up in Rochdale

Residents who want to slash their fuel bills this winter and stay toasty warm are being invited to find out more at a community engagement day this Friday October 18.

The event aims to give people information about how they could potentially shave pounds off their energy bills by taking advantage of free of part funded loft and cavity wall insulation, boiler replacements and other energy improvements.

The campaign’s larger than life mascot, Mr Toast, will be popping up at the event at The Mind Café outside the Nye Bevan Health Centre in Deeplish, and residents are being asked to photograph him for the chance to win a toaster.

Snappers can upload their pictures to the facebook page at www.facebook.com/getmetoasty and the person who sends the best image for each day of the tour will win an energy efficient toaster.

Joining Mr Toast on the day will be Sir Richard Leese, Chairman of the Greater Manchester low carbon hub and Rochdale’s Mayor, Councillor Peter Rush. Energy saving experts from Rochdale Borough Council will also be on hand to offer advice. 

Residents who drop in between 9am and 4pm and find out more about the scheme can start saving quickly, with the team making appointments there and then wherever possible to visit homes and make an assessment. And anyone who pops by for a chat will also get a token for free tea and toast at the Mind Café.

The event is being run in collaboration with the Greater Manchester Energy Advice Service, approved installers Dyson, Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale and Energywise.

Councillor Sultan Ali, Cabinet Member for Housing at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “The cost of heating has soared in recent years and for many people utility bills take up a large part of their already stretched household budget.

“The toasty campaign aims to ease this burden and boost the environment at the same time, and with major energy providers hiking up bills, it is the ideal time for residents to get involved. I’d encourage as many people to take advantage of this so they can stay cosy this winter without breaking the bank.” 

The get me toasty scheme sees local authorities across Greater Manchester work with three approved installers, Dyson Energy Services, Carillion and Forrest, to make homes more efficient by replacing boilers and providing loft and cavity wall insulation.

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

Residents who want to find out more about the scheme, or see when Mr Toast will be popping up in their area, can visit www.getmetoasty.com or alternatively, they can call 0800 009 3363 to find out whether they are eligible and to arrange a free no obligation survey.