Chance to slash energy bills as Mr Toast pops up

People living in fuel poverty can find out how they can slash their energy bills when Mr Toast pops up in neighbourhoods across the region.

The cartoon character, who promotes a scheme to provide work to make homes more environmentally friendly, is setting off on a two-week trip across Greater Manchester and residents are being asked to take photos whenever they see him.

Residents can send their snaps to the Get Me Toasty team – and the person who sends in the best image for each day of the tour will win an energy efficient toaster.

The tour kicks off in Ramsbottom on Tuesday 15 October and will travel across Greater Manchester’s communities, letting people know how they can make their homes warmer and more efficient as the winter begins and temperatures begins to drop.

Mr Toast will be appearing at various locations in Ramsbottom throughout the day, accompanied by a team of experts who can tell residents all about the potential savings they can make as part of Greater Manchester’s Get Me Toasty scheme. Advice sessions will also be held at Ramsbottom Library between 11am and 3pm.

Under the scheme, Bury council will be working with Carillion who are an approved installer to make homes more efficient by replacing boilers and providing new loft and cavity wall installation.

Residents living in certain post code areas – some of which Mr Toast will be visiting during the tour – or those claiming certain benefits may be able to qualify for the work at no cost.  Wherever possible, the team will make appointments there and then for experts to visit residents’ homes and carry out an assessment.

Councillor Rishi Shori, Bury’s cabinet member for adult care, health and housing, said: “With the colder weather about to start, the cost of keeping warm is a serious concern for a huge number of residents in Bury.

“We’d like people to go to see Mr Toast in Ramsbottom, and even take a photo of him to get a chance of winning great prizes. But there is also a very serious message here for the thousands of people who can’t afford to make their homes more efficient – get in touch with the advice line or visit the website and find out whether they they’re eligible for this free service."

Residents who want to find out more about the scheme 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.

You may also spot Mr Toast at Bury Light Night on Friday 11 October - look out for him dressed in his energy efficient fairy lights!

ENDS

Press release issued: 9 October 2013.

Picture attached: Mr Toast, with Michelle Stott, Bury Council’s affordable warmth officer.