AROUND £300,000 could be saved by nearly 1,000 hard-pressed families in Burnley through an energy-saving scheme.

Housing landlord Calico has teamed up with British Gas to offer a package of measures to help out householders in south-west Burnley.

Under the Community Energy Saving Programme, homes are being given makeovers including new solid wall insulation, replacement boilers and controls, loft insulation and draught-proofing.

An estimated 995 properties, from flats to detached homes, owned by Calico, will benefit from the upgrades.

Promoters of the scheme claim the improvments will lower utility bills by nearly £300 per year.

Tenant Deborah Webb, 47, of Melrose Avenue, Burnley, is one of those set to benefit.

She said: “I think this scheme will be a great thing for customers like myself, particularly for the elderly. It will definitely be less of a burden on their finances.

“I live in a small bungalow and currently pay £20-30 per fortnight for my gas - even more if we have one of our typically heavy winters. This scheme will definitely make life a lot easier for me.”

Work will start later this month in Burnley on the initiative, a joint enterprise between the government, energy firms and the power companies.

Michael Birkett, Calico chief executive, said the work should also generate extra work for local apprentices.

Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle said: “Not only will this really put us on the ‘green’ map, but it will save so many of our residents hundreds of pounds on their yearly bills.”

Residents about to benefit from the proposals include those living on the Holme Lodge, Barclay Hills and Griffin estates.