A New Wortley resident has had the most memorable year in a long time…
Not only has Diane Willey of Clyde Walk just retired from her council job after 34 years service, and celebrated her ruby wedding anniversary, she has also had gas fitted to her home allowing her to have central heating for the first time in her 65 years.
New Wortley in Leeds is the first area of many that is to benefit from the partnership between Northern Gas Networks and Leeds-based community interest group Community Energy Solutions (CES).
Working in conjunction with West North West Homes Leeds (WNWHL) the partnership is seeing up to 282 homes in New Wortley enjoying gas-fuelled heating and hot water systems before the winter.
Work on extending the gas mains into the estate is now planned to complete by the end of this month and already nearly 60 of those homes have signed up to receive an efficient gas central heating system from WNWHL. A massive four out of five residents approached so far have taken up the offer, which can reduce fuel bills, and offer a more environmentally friendly way of heating their than the existing system and can give much greater comfort levels, meaning a warm and healthy home.
Many of the homes have also been receiving ‘whole house’ energy efficiency measures, and free benefits advice from CES.
Diane, who lives in her home with husband Keith and son Craig, is keen to urge other tenants to take up the offer both on her estate and as the partnership moves into other areas.
Her family previously heated their home through under floor heating which they had to stop using after bills reached over £400 a quarter. Since then they have been managing with plug in radiators and an electric fire, plus the cost of an economy 7 system to heat their water.
Diane, who was a cleaner in the Great George Building for Leeds City Council until her retirement this month, said:
“Many people shy away from this change as it is the unknown, but the team delivering the package are simply marvellous. The whole process both inside my own house and outside on the roads has been less disruptive than I could have ever thought. In fact, there was more disruption when we had the street lights replaced!
“I am looking forward to welcoming my other two children along with my grand children Sadie (5) and Sam (2) to my home, especially at Christmas when we will be all snug and warm! I’ve never had heating in the bedrooms, so it doesn’t matter how cold it gets this winter, I know Keith and I will be nice and warm at home.”
Northern Gas Networks’ Chris Arnold visited Diane in her home to see the difference for himself. He said:
“Mrs Willey and her neighbours are just the first of what we hope are many community-based projects that we can deliver in partnership with Community Energy Solutions. Bringing affordable warmth to these communities is quite simply vital, and it is very rewarding seeing them being connected to the gas mains with their quality of life improved already.”
Stuart Roberts, project officer for West North West Homes Leeds has been working with local residents and is delighted at the take up for the new heating systems. He said: “This is a truly ground-breaking project and it’s great that the first major project of its kind in the UK will be undertaken right here in the heart of Yorkshire. Whilst the external works are nearly complete, WNWHL will be around for many more months ensuring that those who want central heating receive it.”
