The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing Jane Davidson AM visited Tai Ceredigon and the homes undergoing major improvements under the Welsh Assembly Government ARBED scheme in the regeneration area of Aberystwyth and the Uplands area.

She came to see how Tai Ceredigion is using the £674,000 of funding from the ARBED scheme to bring the affordable warmth to homes they took over from the Council at the end of 2009.

Phase one of the improvements has began with the Penybont flats in Penparcau and estates in the Uplands area of Pontrhydfengidaid, Ponterwyd and Pontrhydygroes and Devil’s Bridge. All the homes have external wall insulation as well as new heating as systems, new windows, doors and possibly balconies will be fitted.

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Rockwool Rockshield breathable insulation, a Welsh produced product had been selected to be used by Tai Ceredigion’s Sustainability and Specification group after a factory visit to Bridgend due to the ideal thermal and breathable properties and fire resistant properties.

Tai Ceredigion is also working in partnership with E.ON's Sustainable Energy business on another pilot project in the Uplands area to install new ground source heat pump heating systems in the off-gas areas and Photovoltaic panels on roofs.

The Minister said: "It is wonderful to see the homes of Ceredigion residents being improved with the funding from our ARBED scheme.

"Wales is leading in the way with ARBED. It is an innovative scheme that focuses on making homes in some of Wales' most deprived areas much more energy efficient. Not only will this help reduce fuel costs for those that need it most, it will also help us to drastically reduce carbon emissions and ensure the creation of new job and training opportunities throughout Wales."

(CD/KMcA)