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Warm as toast

Published: 11/07/2016

As the scaffolding comes down on the three Towers in Flint, internal work is also drawing to a close, heralding a new age for the tower blocks. Flintshire County Council has been working with Warmer Energy Services to update the heating systems in the 84 flats in Richard Heights and the 102 flats in Bolingbroke Heights – a total of 286. These two blocks have a common heating system which has now been upgraded to deal with issues such as energy costs. The work is due to be completed in the next 2 weeks. Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Helen Brown, said: “Flintshire County Council has worked with various contractors to improve both the interior and exterior of the buildings which were in need of upgrading. Along with the external insulation, the upgrade of the heating systems and hot water system will ensure that the residents benefit from warmer homes and, potentially, savings on their heating bills. “There are now meters in each flat, ready for when legislation says we must charge individually. We have also installed a weather compensation system, so, instead of being permanently on, our residents can rely on effective heating, combined with the new insulation, ensuring a healthy and comfortable environment.” Nicola Bennett, Operations Director from Warmer Energy Services, said: “We are extremely proud to have worked with Flintshire County Council on this project; we’ve worked with them for many years installing heating systems for local residents and this has been an important continuation of that partnership. We’ve really enjoyed getting to know the residents and firmly believe that the works completed will have a very positive effect.” The project has also given work experience to a young person currently at college. Callum Bates is studying plumbing at Coleg Cambria, and, through Flintshire County Council’s Capital Works Team, secured a one-day-week placement with Warmer Energy Services, working alongside their plumbers and engineers. Callum said: “Being able to work with the guys at Warmer Energy Services has given me an insight into real-life work situations and has increased my knowledge, experience and confidence which I am sure will stand me in good stead for my future career. I’d like to thank everyone at Warmer Energy and, particularly, Tony Jones from Flintshire County Council, for helping me to secure this placement.” Nik Evans, Service Manager for Housing at Flintshire County Council, said: These essential works follow the demolition of the maisonettes at the Leas site when the existing pipework in the towers was no longer fit for purpose. The pipework has been redesigned to today’s standards and this is an essential part of our ongoing commitment to achieve the WHQS to all our properties by the year 2020. To be able to offer an apprenticeship opportunity to a Flintshire resident while the works are ongoing is fantastic news and helps us to provide Community Benefit through the work we are undertaking.” Tom Pickett of Warmer Energy Services shows Chris Grocott, Contract Surveyor with Flinthshire County Council, the new heating system.