RESIDENTS of a Winchester estate are being offered cut-price heating as part of a new Government scheme.

People in Winnall can get a replacement boiler free or at reduced price under the Warm-Up Winnall scheme.

Janet Berry, of Winnall Community Centre, said: “It's a great scheme, using Government funding to save energy, save money and help people stay warm.”

Some people will get their new boiler paid for under the Government ECO scheme. Others will pay a reduced price.

If they aren't in a position to pay the cost upfront, they could choose a Green Deal loan, with payments coming from the savings on their gas and electricity bills.

The project is targeted at people who own their own homes. “Many people used the Right-to-Buy to buy their home from the city council years ago.

Now they are pensioners and their boilers are worn-out and inefficient.

This is a way we can help them cover the cost”, said Brian Collin, Hampshire county councillor for Winnall.

Anyone who wants to register their interest with no commitment, or would like to find out what help they can get, should ring 0800 952 0037 and quote “Warm-Up Winnall”, or ask at the community centre in Garbett Road.

The works will be organised by YES projects, which ran the recent successful Insulate Hampshire Scheme.

The project is funded by Winchester City Council using a grant from the Department of Energy and Climate Change, and co-ordinated by Winchester Action on Climate Change.

It is part of a co-ordinated programme of activities including a free energy help centre in the Brooks Centre where people can see and handle energy-saving measures from light bulbs to solar panels, and get the chance of a free Green Deal assessment worth at least £100.

People can apply for a free Green Deal assessment by emailing shop@winacc.org.uk, texting Green Deal to 07731 960320 or visiting the energy help centre on the upper floor of The Brooks Shopping Centre, Winchester (offer open to March 31 or till funding is used up).