PENDLE Council has received a glowing report for the work it is doing to make homes in the borough more energy efficient.

The authority has been commended by the Government Office North West for its drive to reduce energy use by 30 per cent by 2010.

Since 1995 local authorities have had to report annually as part of the Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA) on how they will make homes more energy efficient.

Heather Shaw, Pendle's energy efficiency officer, said: "In Pendle there are various ways we can help people save energy in their homes. These range from offering basic energy efficiency information and advice.

Between April 2004 and March 2005, Pendle Council: l Introduced energy efficiency measures at 929 privately-owned homes and draught-proofing at 479 homes.

l Furnished 707 lofts and installed boilers at 68 homes.

l Installed 90 gas central heating systems and cavity wall insulation in 1,269 homes.

l Fitted 489 square metres of reflective radiator panels and new UPV windows and doors at 456 council homes.

l Gave out 391 hot water tank jackets and double glazing repairs at 26 privately-owned homes.

For more information about Pendle's HECA report, contact Heather Shaw, 01282 661117 or emailheather.shaw@pendle.gov.uk.