A scheme offering free upgrades to make houses warmer and cheaper to heat is being rolled out across Bolton.

And Bolton residents are being urged to take advantage of the government funded scheme.

The Feel the Benefit campaign will offer free or discounted upgrades like better insulation, modern windows and more efficient heating to people who meet the right criteria.

Some households across the borough which may be eligible will already have received letters about the scheme, urging them to check if they qualify.

Bolton Council cabinet member for the environment Cllr Richard Silvester said: “The energy we use in our homes also contributes to Bolton’s overall carbon emissions, so making improvements will help towards our goal of making the borough cleaner and greener.

“It also brings energy costs down, makes our homes more comfortable, and will help tackle certain health problems associated with living in a cold or damp house.

The Bolton News: The scheme has been endorsed by Bolton CouncilThe scheme has been endorsed by Bolton Council (Image: Newsquest)

“Anyone who has already received a letter endorsed by me about Feel the Benefit can be confident that this scheme has the 100 per cent backing of Bolton Council and I would urge them to find out more.”

The government funded scheme is run jointly by Bolton Council, NHS Greater Manchester, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and energy specialists Next Energy.

Feel the Benefit is being rolled out elsewhere across Greater Manchester as well, with GMCA working with different partners in each of the various boroughs.

In Bolton, both the council and housing provider Bolton at Home are partnering on the scheme.

A GMCA statement said: “Inefficient heating and heat loss from draughty and poorly insulated homes has a big impact on the environment, contributing to the UKs carbon emissions.

“Cold homes can also be harmful to your health and wellbeing.

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“Living in cold conditions can cause respiratory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, poor mental health, and dementia and make these illnesses worse.

“Making your home more energy efficient can make it warmer, lower your energy bills, and contribute to making Greater Manchester a greener, fairer place to live.”

The authority currently runs an online eligibility checker which people can use to find out if they qualify by answering a series of questions.

Homeowners can also find out more by calling 01204 216 656.