AN ENERGY efficiency scheme could help to cut heating bills in more than 1,200 Burnley homes over the next year.

The Switch on to Savings programme will enable owner-occupiers and private tenants to access a council-endorsed energy efficiency grant or discount for the first time.

Householders aged over 60 or people claiming benefits will be able to access Government grants or a local scheme.

British Gas has agreed to provide discounts on insulation for anyone who is not eligible.

Discounts are also available to people on low incomes to purchase a high-efficiency gas central heating system.

Over 60s will be offered a cold alarm which monitors the temperature of a room and alerts the householder if it gets too cold.

Council home efficiency officer Christian Smith said: "By working in partnership with a number of different organisations we have been able to bring together different schemes under one umbrella.

"The Switch on to Savings programme will ensure that a maximum amount of funding is attracted from outside organisations.

"This means that more than £600,000 will be invested in Burnley on heating and insulation improvements during the next year.

"The scheme will enable us to help more people than ever before and reduce the number of householders who cannot afford to heat their homes."