HALTON residents can have free central heating systems fitted this winter.

Charity Energy Projects Plus and AgilityEco have teamed up with Halton Borough Council in order to install fully-funded gas central heating for residents who do not currently have it.

The Connected for Warmth scheme aims to help rental tenants make big savings on their fuel bills.

As part of the programme, free first-time gas connection and energy-efficient heating system will be available for eligible ‘fuel poor’ homes.

To be eligible, residents need to be in receipt of qualifying benefits or qualify under criteria relating to household income and fuel bills or health.

Replacements are also available to homeowners with broken gas boilers.

Cllr Marie Wright, Halton Borough Council’s portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, said: “Connected for Warmth is a much-needed route out of fuel poverty for residents without gas central heating, who struggle to heat their homes.

“Every winter, cold homes harm health.

“This new scheme is a valuable tool in our efforts to achieve our vision that everyone in Halton can afford to heat their home to a level that maintains comfort and good health.”