GRANTS are being offered to vulnerable and elderly people in Pendle for better insulation in their homes.

Owner occupiers and private rented tenants in Whitefield, Bradley, Walverden, Southfield and Marsden areas of Nelson, Vivary Bridge and Waterside in Colne, or Brierfield, either 60 years or over or in receipt of a means-tested income or disability-related benefit, could qualify

They are available for new or upgraded loft insulation, including cold water tank and pipe lagging, draught-proofing windows and doors, hot water cylinder jacket and relevant pipes, energy-saving light bulbs, reflective radiator panels and cavity wall insulation.

Stephen Whittaker, Pendle Council's energy efficiency officer, said: "These grants are for those residents that do not qualify through the existing government-funded Warm Front Scheme.

"This runs for the next two years so we are hopeful that we can assist a high number of residents to improve the comfort and running costs of their homes."

Mr Whittaker said that the funding would greatly assist the council to fulfill its objectives in its Affordable Warmth Strategy, which aims to eliminate fuel poverty in the borough during the next ten years.

Fuel poverty is where households spend more than ten per cent of their disposable income on fuel.

To register for the grants scheme or for further information, contact Pendle Home Care & Repair on 01282 611088.