WORK is underway to convert council homes across East Renfrewshire from electric central heating to gas.

East Renfrewshire Council has launched a gas heating replacement programme which will see more than £1million being invested across the area.

The programme will install modern heating systems in hundreds of council homes, replacing outdated electric storage heating and gas-fired boilers with more economical gas systems.

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Modern heating systems have been shown to save individual households a considerable amount of money, with some gas bills being halved.

The programme will also ensure council properties meet the requirements laid out by the Scottish Government under its Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing regulations.

To date, 252 properties have had new systems installed by City Technical Services since April – and it is planned that a further 100 will be completed by March next year.

Margaret Gray, one of the East Renfrewshire residents who has switched to the new system, said: “I am really pleased to have this new system installed in my home, especially considering the harsh winter we experienced last year.

“The engineers were very tidy, efficient and friendly. I’d recommend anyone else who is offered the service to take advantage.”

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Councillor Danny Devlin, East Renfrewshire’s housing and maintenance services convener, added: “We’re keen to renew old gas central heating systems and switch everyone who has electric heating in their council home to gas. It is a more efficient way of heating their home, which means a reduction in bills, and gives residents much more control.

“I am delighted this programme has already made a real difference for our tenants, like Mrs Gray, and look forward to more benefitting as the works continue.”