Council invests £40,000 in energy awareness scheme

The team will use thermal imaging to help people improve the energy efficiency of their homes

An energy awareness group has received a £40,000 grant as part of a council's aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The New Forest Heat (Home Energy Advice Team) will provide residents with advice on saving energy and cutting bills.

New Forest District Council has invested the cash in partnership with campaign group Community Energy South.

The project is encouraging local residents to sign up to train for free to become volunteer energy advisors.

'Positive impact'

This volunteer team would then provide free advice across the district to help residents save energy and money.

The scheme was the brainchild of New Forest Transition - which aims to help communities move towards low-carbon ways of living.

Councillor Geoffrey Blunden, portfolio holder for environment and sustainability at the council, said the authority was proud to be supporting the project.

"By supporting the delivery of this programme, we are ensuring that we are continuing to take climate action and working towards our aim of becoming net zero carbon by 2050," he said.

Cathy Cook, project consultant at New Forest Heat Project, said the group were delighted to be receiving the council grant and were "very much looking forward to our volunteer team providing energy advice".

Mr Blunden said the scheme was an "excellent way to support our residents to develop their green skills, improve the energy efficiency of their homes, and reduce energy bills".

"I look forward to seeing the positive impact this programme has within our community," he added.

A launch event for the project will be held between 10:00 and 15:00 BST at Lyndhurst Community Centre on 14 September.