Latest update on Caerau wall insulation repairs

Plans for tackling inadequate internal and external wall insulation work at homes in Caerau have moved a step closer.

In 2012-2013, many residents applied to take part in a national energy efficiency programme which sought to provide better internal and external wall insulation for local homes, cut down on carbon emissions, and lower household fuel and energy bills.

This work was carried out under two schemes. A total of 79 properties received work under the Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP), which was sponsored by UK Government using funding from main energy suppliers, while 25 properties had work undertaken through the Arbed scheme, which was both sponsored and funded by Welsh Government.

Bridgend County Borough Council has now written to all households which received the work to update residents on a new scheme which is aiming to deliver a long-term, high-quality solution.

Subject to home surveys and homeowner consent, this work will remove any faulty internal and external wall insulation from affected properties. After wall space has been dried out, new high-quality insulation will be installed to restore the energy efficient benefits that householders were originally offered.

With funding in place from Welsh Government, the council has appointed a programme manager and a technical expert to oversee the new scheme, and is currently setting up a community liaison post to work directly with residents, deal with their enquiries and keep them informed on progress.

The council has advised residents that it will be contacting them directly in early spring to provide further details of the scheme, and to make arrangements for carrying out essential technical surveys.

 

Chief Executive Mark Shephard said: “I want to reassure residents that the council is committed towards rectifying the faulty wall insulation work, and that our solution is targeting all affected homes irrespective of whether they were involved with the CESP or the Arbed schemes.

“This plan has been drawn up because a significant number of householders in Caerau have not been able to receive the benefits of enhanced insulation and increased energy efficiency that the original retrofit schemes intended to bring about.

“Engaging with relevant householders will be essential for enabling technical surveys to take place at each affected property, and the council will be issuing further regular updates throughout the remedial works.

“While we will be contacting residents very soon with details of how we intend to go about this, we will not be in a position to answer further queries until we have finalised details with Welsh Government, and have set up the community liaison.

“In the meantime, we remain grateful to Welsh Government for their ongoing support and willingness to ensure that this matter can be properly resolved.”