Major energy efficiency works to be carried out on a number of poorly insulated properties in a South Ayrshire village is set to drive down heating bills for tenants and owners alike.

South Ayrshire Council is taking forward a £216,000 project to transform 34 homes in Tarbolton as part of a wider programme to deliver energy efficient homes.

The properties in Sandgate and James Street in Tarbolton will benefit from the installation of external wall insulation. The council has written to all tenants and owners to explain how work will progress, with the project designed to meet strict building and safety standards.

Tenants and owners will benefit from greater insulation at no personal cost, with savings of £200 per year expected to be delivered through improved energy efficiency.

The council recently completed similar work at 300 properties in Wallacetoun, Ayr; Woodpark in Prestwick; and at Troon Harbour, as part of a wider £5 million investment.

The energy efficiency improvements are being funded by South Ayrshire Council and the Home Energy Efficiency Programme for Scotland (HEEPS), and in partnership with the Energy Agency.

Councillor Philip Saxton, South Ayrshire Council’s portfolio holder for housing and customer services, said the investment was welcome: “With the winter months fast approaching this work will deliver warm, dry, energy efficient homes that will be cheaper to run in the long-term.

“We’ve worked closely with the people affected to explain how the improvements will be put in place, and given the current national debate on the use of unrelated panel cladding on much taller buildings we have placed a particular focus on safety.

“The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, and will help to reduce fuel poverty, while breathing new life into dozens of homes and the wider community.”