Homeowners urged to sign energy survey

HOMEOWNERS in Essex are being offered the chance to win cash prizes by taking part in a drive to measure energy efficiency.

Tendring District Council is running the competition in an effort to get more people to sign up to the government led survey.

The questionnaires have been sent to random addresses and the data will be used to discover how eco-friendly homes in the area are.

Tendring District Council is keen for as many people as possible to return the forms as the information could help the region receive more government funding.

As a result they are offering the chance for four homeowners to each win £320 if they take part in the survey and their names are chosen in a prize draw.

Michael Talbot, cabinet member in charge of the environment, said: “It is one of the indicators which the Government will use to decide how much money it will provide for the Tendring area in future years.

“The council is pleased with the response so far but I'm keen that more forms are completed and sent back.”

More than 30 local authorities in the east of England are involved in the annual energy efficiency survey, which is run in conjunction with the Home Energy Officers Network.

Bruce Pittingale, chairman of the network's eastern branch, said: “We urge people to complete the survey and return it in the pre-paid envelopes supplied so that the council is able to meet the Government's targets on the issue.”

The data will be used primarily to discover how many people live in homes with a low or satisfactory efficiency rating.

The documents were sent to homes around a fortnight ago and the prize draw will take place at the end of next week - with the prizes delivered before Christmas.

If residents in the Tendring area wish to take part and have not received a form they can obtain one from the council offices in Thorpe Road, Weeley.

The scheme is also being run by Colchester Borough Council, with more details available on 01206 282222.