A SOUTHAMPTON mum is facing the prospect of a cold winter after being refused permission to use a fireplace to heat her home. 

Mum-of-three Emma Gargaro, from Mansbridge, expects her energy bills to treble from next month.

When this happens, heating her home will become unaffordable, she says.

Her three-bedroom house in Howard Close has two boarded-up fireplaces which she is hoping to restore to keep warm.

However, housing association Abri has twice refused her request to reinstate the fireplaces due to net zero targets.

Her worries come amid reports of firewood sellers witnessing sale increases of up to 60 per cent as more and more people look to replace central heating to cut costs.

The 43-year-old carer said: "It's a scary time with so many people struggling with heating their homes so having the fireplaces reopened would make a world of difference.

"I use LED strips which use less electricity to light the hallways and rooms. A fireplace would help light and heat my house.

"I am happy to pay for it all to be done properly and get it certified too. I would even pay to keep getting it certified so I don't know why it's been refused."

Abri has denied Emma's fireplace requests due to the company's goal of achieving net zero by 2050.

Rose Bean, Interim Executive Director of Assets and Sustainability at Abri, said: "The safety and wellbeing of our customers is always our priority.

"For the safety of our customers, our policy is not to allow the installation of open fires and log burners.

"This follows our commitment to decarbonising our homes.  

"We understand that the cost of living is a concern, and our customers are looking for ways to make energy savings.

"We will work with our customers to find a solution that is appropriate for their property and reduces their financial pressures. All whilst keeping their safety and our net zero commitments at the forefront."

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