External wall insulation has been installed in 114 mixed tenure homes, including 48 Clackmannanshire Council, properties in Alva, Coalsnaughton and Tullibody.

The Scottish Government’s Home Energy Efficiency Programme Area Based Schemes (HEEPS:ABS) providing funding for the council and their delivery partners to develop and deliver an energy efficiency programme which has helped to make local resident’s homes more energy efficient and affordable to live in.

Clackmannanshire Council received £1.3 million funding through the HEEPS:ABS and contributed £356,000 from its own HRA Capital Programme.

Carried out by housing improvements and community regeneration firm Keepmoat, the project is aimed at tackling homes that are typically hard to heat, due to their construction type. The external wall insulation not only serves to reduce fuel bills for householders, but also provide attractive and colourful aesthetic enhancements to each area.

In addition to this the work has, increased the houses projected lifespan, future proofed against structural problems and ensured that residents have a warm house that is easy to heat, in turn delivering a reduction in fuel costs.

Lorraine Muir, who lives in Alva is one of the residents to have benefitted from the programme.

She said: “We have noticed a huge difference since the external wall insulation was completed. The bills have already gone down, the gas by about £30 per month and the whole process was pain free as the workers were great.”

Councillor Kathleen Martin, spokesperson for environment and housing, said: “This HEEPS scheme has helped the council to improve some of the least energy efficient housing in Clackmannanshire, and has created positive impacts on health and well being in the community.

“Residents have commented that their homes are so much better looking and they are delighted with the unexpected benefit of improved sound insulation.

“The council is committed to tackling energy inefficiency and fuel poverty within the community, over the past few years the council has invested over £4m and attracted £13.5m in Scottish Government and Energy Company funding to improve the energy efficiency of homeowners and social landlord tenants. In addition to this, work carried out by the council’s Home Energy Advice team has resulted in over £1m of savings to local residents which has helped to reduce fuel poverty and improve the standard of life for some of the most vulnerable people in the community.”

Eamonn McGarvey, regional managing director for Keepmoat in Scotland, said: “The rise in energy bills, coupled with poor construction has led too many people in the country unable to afford the cost of heating their own home.

“We’re delighted to have worked in partnership with the council once again on this remarkable project and we’re pleased with the early feedback from residents who are already noticing a marked difference the insulation is having on their home environment and bank accounts.”