HEREWARD Housing Association is ahead of Tony Blair in championing the use of energy-efficient lightbulbs. Mr Blair said recently that every home should switch to energy-saving bulbs. He was speaking as the Government revealed its energy policy and said t

HEREWARD Housing Association is ahead of Tony Blair in championing the use of energy-efficient lightbulbs.

Mr Blair said recently that every home should switch to energy-saving bulbs.

He was speaking as the Government revealed its energy policy and said that if every household installed three energy efficient lightbulbs, the electricity saved would supply all our street lighting.

Hereward Housing, based in St Mary's Street, Ely, has recognised the need for savings and has been giving out energy efficient lightbulbs in welcome packs for new residents.

In addition, Hereward operated a scheme for people on benefits who were then eligible for four free light bulbs.

A total of 2,000 new-style bulbs were handed out in an 18-month period and almost 350 were included in the welcome packs.

Tom Graham, asset manager at Hereward, said: "We are very conscious of the need to save energy and we are always happy to give advice to our residents.

"We are also surveying all our properties to see if residents will benefit from extra insulation. In a previous programme we offered a minimum of 150mm loft insulation. Now we are re-surveying all properties to see if we can cut residents' heating bills further."

The Ely Standard also has energy-saving lightbulbs available for our readers. Pop into reception at 38 Market Street and ask for one - limited to one per person.