Residents in one of Edinburgh’s largest block of flats are set to benefit from cheaper fuel bills thanks to the City of Edinburgh Council.

A new £2.25m communal-heating system is being installed in Cables Wynd House as part of a major refurbishment programme for the building.

This is the first such system to be installed by the Council. Work on the gas-powered system for the 209 flats started in May last year and is expected to be completed by next month.

Other works in the refurbishment programme include new kitchens, bathrooms, windows and insulation.

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This gives residents much more control over their heating than the old storage heaters did. It will also mean cheaper fuel bills.

Housing Leader Councillor Paul Edie said: "The benefit of the communal heating system is that it costs much less to run than the electric storage heaters originally installed in the flats.

"This could not have come at a better time for many families as in the current economic climate some people are finding it very hard to pay their bills.

"This is all part of our ongoing commitment to help our tenants keep their homes warm and comfortable whilst keeping energy bills as low as possible."

Tenant Evelyn McCue has lived in the block for 42 years and is delighted with the communal heating system.

She said: "The heating is great and it feels like a new home now. Before it was like an icebox with the old electric storage heaters. I am sure I will be saving money as well."

(GK)