AS the Met Office predicts months of freezing winds and heavy snow, a warmth scheme in Runcorn and Widnes is urging local residents to seek help if their heating is broken.

A scheme, npower Health Through Warmth, is encouraging Halton householders to repair or replace boilers or heating systems that are no longer working.

The scheme helps eligible, vulnerable homeowners to access funding and arrange the installation of heating and insulation measures that they can’t afford themselves.

Elaine Midwinter, npower Health Through Warmth scheme manager, said: “As the Big Freeze hits, we are expecting residents to experience more boiler breakdowns and we would encourage people to get in touch with us. We may be able to help.

“From helping to fix or replace broken heating systems, to ensuring homes are adequately insulated, npower Health Through Warmth may be able to help vulnerable residents with long term illnesses to improve their levels of comfort and warmth.”

Help from npower Health Through Warmth may be able to help any vulnerable homeowners who have a long term, cold-related illness, a low income with little or no savings and who are unable to fully fund measures, such as a new boiler or heating system. You do not have to be, or become, an npower customer to benefit from the scheme.

For more information about npower Health Through Warmth’s eligibility criteria, visit www.healththroughwarmth.com.