Page 6 - Hunstanton Town & Around - January 2016

6 Hunstanton Town & Around January 2016 Tel: 01485 533422 email: editor@townandaround.net

The North Wind does blow ……… or keeping teddy warm! glazing for listed properties is
eligible for grant assistance. It is
Dean Baker always worth checking to see if
I may have had occasion in the last serious. Around 2.3 million UK Amber Rudd. Last year this switching energy companies
few weeks to complain of the cold. households can’t afford to keep country had a higher proportion of should be considered. Better
I believe this is justifiable as the their homes adequately warm. extra winter deaths that Russia or heating controls in the form of
east wind in Hunstanton is bitter. Every year, in this country 25,000 Finland. When asked what action modern thermostats are worthwhile
Garden taps, blocked drains and the older people die as a result of living could be taken to address this grim for everyone. The latest being an
‘daddy’ of outside work, using my in a cold home - that’s one person statistic the official advice is keep app which allows you switch on the
combustion analyser to check aged over 65 every 7 minutes. Fuel warm, be prepared for changes in heating remotely.
boiler flues, necessitate exposure to poverty is defined as a home that temperature by watching the If your home is already well
the elements. spends over 10 percent of its weather forecast, have a ‘flu jab’, insulated you could qualify for
The current Mrs Baker set about household income on lighting and keep hydrated and keep an eye out money toward a renewable heating
solving this problem with a heating the home. A fuel-poor for friends and neighbours who system.
shopping trip. Victoriously home is often the result of a may be in difficulty. Often fatal Citizens advice has a lot useful
brandishing a carrier bag she combination of the household illnesses develop 2 or 3 days after information showing the cost
marched into the kitchen where I being below the poverty line and a cold snap has finished. effectiveness of home
am enjoying a quite cup of tea. I felt living in a property with higher the There are grants available to improvements; loft insulation for
mild relief to see that it was a green typical energy costs. The UK’s improve the energy efficiency of example.
and grey bag from that shop that housing stock is among the least your home. I suggest starting with My advice to everyone would be
you can return goods to months energy efficient in Europe. Fuel the government website 'Gov UK’ to be proactive, in looking after our
after purchase! “Look”, for a poverty doesn’t just affect to find energy grants and ways to own homes and keeping a north
moment I thought it was a costume pensioners. Heating a poorly improve the energy of your home. eye on our friends and neighbours.
and I was spared. “Long johns, insulated house adequately for a The ‘Green Deal’ offers winter You may be wondering what
they’re lovely soft wool, not at all small child is expensive too. A fuel payments of £25 a week happened to my long johns. For
scratchy. You can wear them under report by the Association for the during cold weather between many years a big brown teddy has
your jeans . Put them on ………” conservation energy estimated that November and March. I think lived on the landing. Curiously my
I have learnt that it’s easier to in 2013 there were at least 1.5 ‘smart meters’ are a good idea; you undergarment fell foul of a hot
comply. “You look like Robert million children living in fuel can keep track of the energy your wash - and now they’re a perfect
Redford in Butch Cassidy and the poverty. Poor insulation results in using. It puts an end to estimated fit for Ted, 'nice one fella!'
Sundance Kid”. I do not! As I £1 in every £3 currently spent in bills and cuts out meter reading. Dean Baker, Domestic
ascend the stairs I distinctly hear UK homes on heating being There are grants available to help Plumbing & Heating Engineer
the ladies of the house sniggering .. wasted. towards the installation of high
For many people in the UK The Secretary of State for efficiency oil or condensing boilers. 07973 131906
keeping warm is a great deal more Energy and Climate Change is Double-glazing or secondary plombierdean@yahoo.com