The latest project undertaken under the partnership will see 194 homes in the Newton Green area of Ayr benefit from external wall insulation, saving each property an average of £200 a year on heating bills.

The properties in Glebe Crescent, Glebe Road, Waggon Road, Taylor Street, York Street and York Street Lane are a mix of private, council and social housing.

Funding of approximately £1.2 million from the council, Scottish Government, with a contribution from Ayrshire Housing, means the Newton Green insulation scheme is free to the vast majority of households.

Philip Saxton, councillor and housing and community wellbeing portfolio holder for South Ayrshire Council, said: “We are determined to tackle fuel poverty and to date we have turned over 2,000 properties into warm, dry and energy-efficient homes. Together with the Scottish Government, we have invested more than £15 million in these energy efficiency schemes.

“The properties at Newton Green are only a short distance from the sea, and over the years the buildings have suffered from the coastal weather. This work will completely transform the external walls, eliminating any drafts and leading to far more comfortable accommodation.”

The project at Newton involves encasing the buildings with insulation board which is then covered with a weather-resistant render.

The works will also address any structural issues such as cavity wall ties which have become corroded.

The work at Newton Green is set to finish this December.