Residents in North Ayrshire are set to benefit from a home energy efficiency scheme.

The £800,000 project, which has been funded by the Scottish Government under its Home Energy Efficiency Programme for Scotland (HEEPS) and Scottish Hydro, through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), aims to help cut household energy use and reduce energy costs.

Those homeowners or tenants who live in privately-rented accommodation and who are in receipt of certain benefits may be eligible for free energy efficiency measures, including new boilers and loft and cavity wall insulation.

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It is thought that the funding could benefit more than 500 homes across North Ayrshire which are in need of insulation or new heating systems.

Commenting on the announcement, Councillor Tony Gurney, North Ayrshire Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said: "I would encourage people to check out their eligibility straight away.

"This scheme presents a golden opportunity to make your home warmer and save money at the same time."

David Smith, Area Development Manager at Scottish Hydro, added: "Elderly homeowners and families on low incomes are amongst the groups that could receive these free energy efficiency measures which could help reduce both household energy use and heating bills.

"Many people are not aware that these schemes are available so it's vital that we get the message out loud and clear.

"I urge everyone to check the eligibility criteria as their home may benefit from this scheme."

According to findings by the Energy Saving Trust, cavity wall insulation could help cut energy bills by up to £140 a year and loft insulation up to £175 a year.

(JP)