HOUSEHOLDERS, businesses and community groups across Tweeddale are set to benefit from additional funding to help improve energy efficiency in Peeblesshire.

Funding through the Scottish Government’s Energy Efficient Scotland programme will enable the Change Works in Peebles project to extend across the whole of the Tweeddale area.

The project, funded by Scottish Government, Changeworks and Scottish Borders Council, has been based in the Old Corn Exchange on Peebles High Street since February.

During this time, project staff have worked with the Peebles community and local businesses providing energy efficiency advice and support.

And over 800 people have now visited the Peebles hub to access face to face advice or attend events.

Donna Marshall, Project Manager of Change Works in Peebles, said: “We’re delighted to be able to extend the Change Works in Peebles project to the wider Tweeddale area thanks to this funding.

"We look forward to working with the community over the next 18 months to help support householders and businesses to make energy efficiency improvements, cut carbon emissions and reduce energy bills.”

The project is run in partnership with organisations including Home Energy Scotland, Resource Efficient Scotland and Business Gateway.

A Project Officer is available to support local communities and businesses in the wider Tweeddale area to reduce gas and electricity bills and improve warmth.

Councillor Mark Rowley, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive member for Business and Economic Development, added: “This jointly funded project in Peebles was launched earlier this year as a pilot project for the Energy Efficient Scotland Programme and I am delighted that the Scottish Government has provided additional funds to extend its work so quickly.

"I would encourage anyone in the Tweeddale area to take advantage of the advice and support that is available through the Change Works in Peebles hub.”