Heating Discussions at Carwood

Story: Lisa Swift

Carwood Tenants met again on 2nd July about district heating concerns, in a follow up to a well attended meeting in April.

Tenants have been complaining about the shared district heating breaking down, going off at night and costing too much money.

In April the Council promised to install valves, so that if the system does break down, only part of the estate would be affected. They also said they would ask for pipe replacement work to be prioritised on Carwood. They promised to investigate if the heating was being reduced too much at night. They also promised to compensate tenants for the loss of heating in March during the last snowy weather.

Council Officer Pete Hoyland told residents,

“A refund of 2 weeks should show up on your heating bill this month. If you have not had this please contact the Council about it. We will be fitting the new valves in August, which will mean no heating and hot water for at least one day. We have managed to get Carwood moved up the waiting list for completely new pipes and this should happen in 2014, this will also reduce breakdown problems in cold weather”

Councillor Ibrar Hussain asked that the valve replacement work in August avoid Ramadan and Eid celebrations, and officers hoped this would be possible.

Residents again raised concerns about high bills and cold radiators at night. The officer said further investigations would be done into the night time temperatures. He also explained that a metering system would be installed some time in the next 4 years following January 2014.

Carwood is not a top priority for this at moment. Once the metering is installed tenants will have complete control of their heating, but they will also have to pay for exactly what they use.

A further follow up meeting was set for 22nd October 1pm at Carwood meeting room.

To report problems with your heating call 0114 273 5555.