COLNE residents have been getting a helping hand paying their heating bills after they revealed in a recent survey that they felt they were too expensive.

B&N (North West) Limited, which is a locally-based housing, health and regeneration services provider managing over 4,500 homes across the region, decided to ask tenants for their opinions on their service.

The survey was carried out in Colne where B&N has a large number of homes to rent.

Residents living in Blascomay Square and Patten Street told B&N how expensive they felt their homes were to heat during the winter months.

In response to their concerns qualifying residents, who have lived there for more than 12 months, were offered £50 each to help them cover their gas heating costs.

Payments are made directly to residents' gas suppliers or paid in cards, which are then credited to their meters.

The scheme also acts as incentive for newer residents to stay in their homes long enough to claim the allowance.

B&N (North West) marketing officer, Joanne Sawley, said: "We introduced this new incentive as a direct result of the comments we received in our last survey. Residents who have lived with us for 12 months or more now qualify for the gas allowance, but those who don't have been told about the scheme. We hope that will encourage them to stay with us so we can help them next year."