BURNLEY MP Peter Pike has welcomed the fact that 1707 householders in the borough have taken up insulation grants to make their houses warmer this winter since the Warm Front grant system was introduced in 2000.

A total of £962,578 of Warm Front money has been spent in Burnley and Mr Pike believes this will have a real effect in improving the standard of living for many people -- especially the poor and elderly.

Eaga Partnership, established to administer the Government's Home Energy Efficiency Scheme contacted Mr Pike to tell him of its latest figures for its energy efficiency project work in Burnley.

The Labour backbencher said: "People can qualify for up to £2,500 of Government funding through Warm Front grants if they own their own home or rent from a private landlord and are in receipt of an income or disability related benefit, yet many pensioners and others who qualify still don't know they can access this money.

"Too many privately rented properties in Burnley still do not have efficient heating systems and that is not good enough. Anyone who is on benefits, is eligible to apply and hasn't done so yet should move now -- I want to see a warm front across Burnley homes this winter."