Residents back pilot project to cut energy bills

Councillor Qaiser Azeem (pictured far right) attended a meeting with Wolverhampton residents to discuss the project

A pilot project to help cut energy costs, reduce carbon emissions and improve health is being backed by residents in Wolverhampton.

City of Wolverhampton Council was given £545,502 by the West Midlands Combined Authority to trial measures on a "small cluster" of streets in Graiseley.

Local people will be given advice and assessments of their properties' energy efficiency, and supported with low-cost improvements.

A launch event at the Church of St Chad and St Mark on Lime Street saw a strong turnout from residents, councillors and partner organisations, the council said.

Resident Leanne McDonald, organiser of the charity Simple Acts of Kindness, said she was looking forward to taking part in the pilot.

"I am keen to improve my house and to encourage other residents to help improve their homes and our neighbourhood," she said.

Reverend Ray Gaston from the church said: "I am excited to see our streets becoming part of the solution to climate change.

"The project will show how net zero can benefit ordinary people and bring us together as a more caring, connected and hopeful community."

Councillor Qaiser Azeem, the council's cabinet member for transport, said local people were at the heart of the scheme.

"This project is about making our neighbourhoods healthier, greener and cleaner with warmer homes and lower energy bills," he said.

The pilot area includes Lime Street, Fisher Street, Bristol Street, Manlove Street, Cardiff Street and Bingley Street, as well as parts of Lea Road, Owen Road, Burleigh Road, Norfolk Road and Merridale Street West.

The council said more community events would be held in the coming months.