Burglars out in the cold

Government cash is to be ploughed into HEES, the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme, to help older people battle the cold and make their properties more secure.

Under the new project, grants of up to £2,000 will be available to the elderly to help pay for loft insulation, draught proofing, and upgrading heating systems.

At the same time, HEES includes a home security scheme -- Locks for Pensioners -- aimed at the over-60s living in areas with a higher than average burglary rate.

Chief Insp Alan Green from Bolton Central police station welcomed the initiative which will see a further crackdown on house-breakers in the town.

He said: "Even though it may seem minor, there's a lot of evidence that simply strengthening locks does have an effect upon the crime rate. This scheme is good news for the town."

The extra cash comes on the back of a recent increase in police patrols to battle a burglary blackspot in Paulhan Street, Great Lever.

Households with older folk, people on benefits and with children under 16 and those who are disabled or chronically sick will benefit from the cash injection.

Surveyors will inspect homes as part of the energy scheme and at the same time can check security, advising on door and window locks and making patio doors and French windows burglar-proof.

The security package is part of the energy survey and cannot be separately applied for.

Bolton Council cabinet member Cllr Frank White is urging people who are qualified to apply to the HEES scheme.

He added: "Anything which makes a person's home more comfortable to live in and more secure to reduce the fear of crime is welcome."

HEES's North-west office is at Eaga Partnerships Ltd, Eldon Court, Eldon Square, Newcastle-on-Tyne NE1 7HA or contact 0800 9520600 to see if you are eligible to take part.

Freepost application forms are also available from the Community Safety Team, Town Hall, Bolton, or call 01204 331051.