A new energy efficiency programme, valued at £6.8m, is underway in Charleston, Paisley.

The project will see hundreds of homes in the area benefit from energy measures to help families save money on their energy bills.

Up to 500 families will benefit from the scheme, Renfrewshire Council has said. The homes currently share a district heating system which was installed when the properties were built in the 1960s. Under the work, this scheme will be replaced with a new state-of-the-art energy efficient biomass heating system.

Each home will have conventional radiators fed from the new central boiler, which will also provide instant hot water to each property, while external insulation is also being fitted to the homes to improve their energy rating and keep more of the heat in.

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The developments benefitting from the scheme are the Calside Court, Hamilton Court, Rowan Court and Union Court high rise blocks, as well as seven maisonette blocks in Alice Street and Calside.

Mark Macmillan, Renfrewshire Council Leader, said: "Rising fuel costs are one of the main causes of fuel poverty with many families struggling to pay their bills. This council is committed to tackling the causes of poverty in our communities and this scheme will provide real benefits to hundreds of local people.

"This is a major project that will benefit hundreds of households currently sharing an outdated and costly heating system. Not only will this save people money on their heating bills, it will make these building more modern and sustainable for years to come."

Steve Gapik, Scottish Gas, added: "We are very pleased to be working with Renfrewshire Council and we are certain that this project will make a real difference for the residents of Charleston. Our funding will make a huge difference to local people – making sure their homes are warm and comfortable this winter and helping to keep energy bills down."

(JP/CD)