Over 5,500 council tenants in Aberdeenshire this winter will be much warmer thanks to a programme of upgrades carried out by the council since 2008.

Measures to improve energy efficiency of properties include upgrading loft insulation to 300mm, draught proofing windows and doors, insulating water tanks, lagging pipes and where appropriate installing cavity wall insulation.

Aberdeenshire Council has completed loft insulation upgrades and installation work on 82% of its properties and aims to complete these works on all of its properties by summer 2010.

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Chairman of Aberdeenshire Council's Social Work and Housing Committee Councillor Gurudeo Saluja said: "Loft and cavity insulation is just one area of our extensive programme of upgrades to council housing and feedback has shown that it is making a real difference to our tenants.

"As well as making sure homes are warmer, the works are part of our commitment to tackle climate change as the insulation reduces the amount of energy used to heat our homes and therefore cuts carbon emissions.

"Making our council homes more energy efficient also brings downs costs for our tenants in heating their homes too.

"Reducing tenant bills in the current economic climate has never been more important and insulation is just one project that helps."

Aberdeenshire Council’s Housing and Social Work Service has also been collaborating with Scotland Gas Networks (SGN) and energy efficiency charity SCARF (Save Cash and Reduce Fuel) to bring mains gas to over 1,500 homes in Aberdeenshire.

(CD/BMcc)