RESIDENTS are being reminded to think carefully if approached by cold-callers offering to fit loft insulation.

The advice comes from staff with the Hartlepool Borough Council-backed Hartwarmers Plus scheme, who are concerned that some people are signing up to have cavity wall insulation fitted.

In some cases, it is costing £100 or more when residents might be eligible to have it installed for free by Hartwarmers Plus.

Hartwarmers Plus is a scheme run by Hartlepool Council in partnership with Scottish Power, Energy Education North and the Billingham Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre for the North-East.

The initiative helps homeowners and private tenants to improve the energy efficiency of their homes by offering free insulation to householders aged 60 or over, regardless of their circumstances.

It can also provide free insulation to people under 60 if they are receiving certain Government benefits.

David Morgan, Hartlepool council's energy officer, said: "We are worried that some people are signing up to insulation schemes - at a cost of £100 or more - when they could have qualified for free insulation under Hartwarmers Plus.

"Representatives of Hartwarmers Plus will be delivering letters to residents telling them what this free insulation scheme can offer. They will make follow-up visits, and all representatives will always carry Hartwarmers identification."

To find out more about Hartwarmers Plus, call (01429) 523993, or contact the local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on freephone 0800 512 012.

Residents can also phone either number if they do not want anyone from Hartwarmers to call.