Helping residents stay warm and well

A TOTAL of £100,000 has been invested by West Somerset Council this year to bring local homes up to high energy efficiency standards.
The council is now extending its funding of the Somerset Warm and Well scheme to allow more people in West Somerset to benefit from free or discounted energy-saving home improvements.
The council works in partnership with the Bristol and Somerset Energy Efficiency Advice Centre to help people carry out home improvements such as loft and cavity wall insulation.
Council environmental health and licensing manager Ian Timms said: “The Warm and Well scheme is now offering free insulation to people of all ages who are on low incomes or on qualifying benefits, as well as people over 70.
“Residents can phone friendly experts at the centre to see if they are eligible.
“Local people can save money on energy bills, stay warm and well in their homes, and help the environment by cutting down on energy use.”
Tenants or landlords of rented properties can also apply for free or discounted insulation.
Mr Timms said: “We would encourage anybody who thinks they may be eligible to come forward to see if they qualify for free loft and cavity wall insulation through Somerset Warm and Well.
“People who do not meet the criteria may find they can still receive a considerable discount on this sort of work.”
Residents who would like to know more about the scheme can telephone the Bristol and Somerset Energy Efficiency Advice Centre free on 0800 512 012.

Hinkley C is favourite for next UK nuclear plant

WEST Somerset has become the hot favourite to site the first of Britain’s next generation of nuclear power stations.
British Energy has confirmed it is already looking for potential partners for new nuclear plants – and Hinkley Point, near Stogursey, is high on its list of prospective sites.
Planning permission was given for a Hinkley Point C station in the 1990s following a lengthy public inquiry into the plans, but the consent lapsed in 1997.
However, British Energy confirmed to The Crier that it still owns the land at Hinkley which was earmarked for the C station.
Company spokesman Martin Pearce said, however: “Any company seeking to build a new nuclear station would need to obtain completely new planning consent which would include a new public inquiry.”
British Energy also owns the Hinkley B station, where 650 people are employed, but it has been closed since last year for repairs to cracked boiler tubes.
Although Hinkley B is planned to be back online by the end of March, it will only run at 70 per cent capacity during a year-long trial to avoid further damage to the boiler tubes.
The station is currently scheduled for decommissioning in 2011.
The neighbouring Hinkley Point A station is already undergoing decommissioning, having closed seven years ago.
British Energy chief executive Bill Coley, in launching the search for partners to help build new nuclear power plants, said: “Construction of new nuclear power stations is critical to meeting the UK’s security of supply and climate change objectives.
“Electricity is essential to continued economic growth, jobs, and quality of life for the people of the UK today and into the future.
“As the major UK nuclear generator, British Energy has capabilities and assets important to providing the electricity we need.
“British Energy can make a valuable contribution to the country through a new nuclear generation programme and, in the process, create more UK jobs and drive shareholder value.”
Hinkley Point B photo submitted.