WORK has begun on a project to upgrade the heating systems in three council-owned tower blocks in Chadwell St Mary.

Old storage heaters and hot water systems will be replaced in each flat with ground source heat pumps.

A statement from Thurrock Council says the project will 'dramatically enhance the blocks' energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and will help combat mould'.

It goes on to say: "Over the life cycle of this installation, the total emissions saving of the heat pumps is projected to be 7,080 tons of CO2. This is the equivalent of taking 1,540 cars off Thurrock's roads*, significantly improving local air quality and reducing the Council's carbon footprint.

"Most importantly the project is set to secure 40 to 50 per cent savings on residents' annual energy bills*.

Council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill, visited Gooderham House, Poole House and George Tilbury House to see works starting on site which will see 273 council properties benefit from the scheme. He was joined by Kensa Contracting, who have been appointed by the council to deliver the work. 

Cllr Gledhill said: "This huge investment from government has provided us with a fantastic opportunity to offer our residents an energy efficient heating system which utilises the natural heat in the ground. There is no doubt that this project will help residents in these homes, cutting their fuel bills by more than £500* as well as help play our part to reduce our reliance on fossil fuel." 

Cabinet member for housing, Cllr Luke Spillman, said: "This funding has been specifically granted to deliver a trailblazing heating solution that is the first of its kind for Thurrock Council. The old storage radiators and hot water systems in each of the 273 flats will be replaced with a significantly better, cost-effective and greener solution.

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"This is great news for our residents, and I would like to thank the government for awarding this funding and helping us better support our residents and tackle fuel poverty by driving down fuel bills and keeping our homes warmer and greener."

The council has been awarded £3.2million by the government to finance the project following its successful bid under the first wave of funding from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. The fund aims to support local authorities and social landlords retrofit their housing stock at scale over the next 10 years.