The milestone was reached when work was completed on Donna and Carl Wilcock's house at Sowood.

"We were really pleased and have already noticed that the house feels warmer," said Mrs Wilcock.

"If the winter is as bad as last year, the insulation will help keep our bills down and also make our home warmer, which will help with my son with his asthma."

Richard Armitage, the council's housing project manager, said the council had paid for insulation work on 772 properties with £118,000 allocated by the Regional Housing Board.

"The remaining households were given assistance by the council entirely funded by an independent energy company through the governments' Carbon Emissions Reduction Target scheme."

Subject to a quick suitability check, free insulation is available for people who own or privately rent their properties if they are on low income, are registered disabled, or have a condition or illness that can be made worse by cold weather, and for anyone over 60.

"To have already passed the milestone in the first six months of the financial year is a wonderful achievement," said Coun Amanda Byrne, the council's economy and enterprise spokeswoman.

If residents don't qualify for the free insulation, there are discounts available with prices starting from just £99 for cavity wall insulation, £149 for loft insulation, or £220 if both loft and cavity wall insulation can be installed.

If you own or privately rent your property, check if you qualify for the free insulation contact:

• Calderdale Council's Housing Energy Action Team on 0854 245 6000.


• E-mail heat@calder


• dale.gov.uk


• Visit Calderdale Council's new Doorways centre in Woolshops, Halifax.


• Or contact Brighouse based contractors Dyson Insulations Limited directly on 0800 833 018.

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