THE battle against fuel poverty in Stockton has been given a £1.2m cash boost.
The Government-led Stockton Warm Zone initiative has received the grant from British Gas.
British Gas has agreed to support the project until 2004, with partners Transco and Stockton Borough Council.
Since the project began last year, almost 5,000 homes have benefited from energy efficiency measures such as cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and draught proofing.
It is hoped the scheme will fund improvements for up to 13,000 fuel poor homes in the area by the end of March 2004.
Denise Rogers, British Gas community safety advisor, said: "The company is committed to tackling fuel poverty across Britain and this project underpins our commit- ment to provide support and help to local communities."
Beccy Brown, Stockton Warm Zone director, said: "The Zone funds provided by British Gas will be used to provide measures for the fuel poor who do not qualify for Warm Front or Stockton Borough Council grants.
"The householder will not be required to make a contribution towards the cost of the work undertaken."
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