There is still time for home owners to apply for free gas heating appliance repair or replacement.

West Lancashire Borough Council has received funding from Lancashire County Council’s Public Health Team to offer the West Lancs Winter Warm Scheme for a fourth year.

Through the scheme owner-occupiers in West Lancashire are being offered the opportunity to have their gas heating appliances repaired free of charge to help keep them warm and save money on their gas bills this winter. Gas heating appliances, including gas fires and boilers, can be repaired and or replaced, subject to certain conditions.

The scheme is available to qualifying owner occupiers who are in receipt of certain benefits, who suffer with certain health conditions and do not have a plan in place that covers boiler repairs.

Councillor Kevin Wright, portfolio holder for Health and Community Safety, said: “Funding is still available for people to apply for the Winter Warm Scheme, which really could help people feel warmer in their homes and I would urge owner occupiers to check if they are eligible to apply.”

Tenants cannot apply to the scheme as it is the landlords’ responsibility to maintain or replace any heating appliances including gas boilers.

The scheme will run until 31 March 2017 but funding is limited so residents are encouraged to apply early.

For more information, including terms and conditions, please visit www.westlancs.gov.uk/winterwarm.

To find out if you are eligible and apply to the West Lancs Winter Warm Scheme, please contact the Private Sector Housing Team on 01695 585279 quoting the West Lancs Winter Warm Scheme.