Blacon residents and children welcome eco house initiative

Mar 16 2011 by Allison Dickinson, Chester Chronicle

MORE than 150 residents in Blacon have made an important first step to reduce their energy bills.

For the past five months, a very special house in Blacon has been open to the public.

The Eco-house – which is at 78 Dyserth Road – offers practical help for householders keen to reduce their gas and electricity consumption.

The house has attracted more than 150 visitors who have picked up lots of tips and freebies that will help them save money and the environment.

As well as local residents, visitors have come to see the house from as far and wide as Scotland, Norway and even the Netherlands.

The house is a little different to other energy saving demonstration homes around the country as it is staffed by a team of local volunteers who are on hand to provide unbiased support and advice to visitors.

Project coordinator Julie Perry said: “We are really excited that so many people have been through the doors.

“The support we have had from local people in Blacon has been vital in making this project such a success.”

Recent visitor Melissa Bowgheuy said: “I really enjoyed looking around the house.

“There were lots of interesting displays and tips on saving energy and money.

“I’m looking forward to fitting the free powerdown plug that I got in the house – I’m sure it will save energy on my computer!”

Members of the Blacon Children's Council, along with representatives from the Department of Energy and Climate Change, visited the house last week to discuss how they can help to make the area more sustainable.

The children's council is made up of two Year 5 pupils from each of the five primary schools involved: Highfield Community Primary, Dee Point Primary, JH Godwin Primary, The Arches Community Primary, and St. Theresa's Catholic Primary as well as two students from each year at Blacon High School.

If you would like more information on the project or any of the other work that Sustainable Blacon is doing visit www.sustainableblacon.org.uk or call 01244 379021.