IN BRIEF
GO GREEN FOR LESS
NEXT PHASE OF BIRKENHEAD REGENERATION
Going green has never looked so good as a new scheme will help make it cheaper to become more energy efficient .
The Green Homes Grant scheme launched by the government gives those wanting to minimise the carbon footprint of their home access to up to £ 10,000 worth of vouchers to help cover the costs .
Homeowners and landlords wanting to install energy efficient and lowcarbon heating improvements , which could already save households up to £ 600 a year on energy bills , can apply for vouchers towards the cost of installation – it really is a win-win .
Cllr Liz Grey , Chair of Environment , Climate Emergency and Transport at Wirral Council , says : “ It is becoming increasingly more important that larger numbers of us make the move to a greener and more sustainable way of life . Improving the carbon footprint of our homes is a significant way that we can become more environmentally friendly whilst also minimising our living costs in the long run .
“ Often the initial costs of making changes to reduce our heating bills and future proof our homes has prevented homeowners or landlords from installing these measures but the new scheme helps with set up costs and makes sustainable living more accessible .
“ Whether or not you have considered making changes to your home prior to this , I would encourage all Wirral residents to look at the options for improving homes , protecting the environment and saving money in the process .”
To check if you ’ re eligible for a voucher , what improvements may be suitable for your home and the associated costs or to find an accredited tradesperson to carry out the work , visit www . gov . uk .
Vouchers can cover two thirds of the cost on insulation and heating upgrades , up to a maximum of £ 5,000 .
Low income households can receive vouchers to cover 100 % of the improvement costs , up to a maximum of £ 10,000 . Landlords cannot apply for the low-income part of the scheme .
Vouchers must be used to install a home insulation or low carbon heating measure first before any other energy efficient changes are supported by the scheme . These secondary and further measures that can be supported include draught proofing , window glazing or hot water tank insulation .
Birkenhead Market is set to move into a crucial new phase of its redevelopment as plans to build a new market on the current site move ahead .
A new and revitalised Birkenhead Market is a key part of the wider regeneration proposals for the town centre and a temporary market will be established to enable the continuity of trade .
Now as part of this process , traders will be given Section 25 notices setting the date for the end of their current tenancy agreements . Traders will then be invited to agree new leases on their current premises in the market . The majority of traders will also be entitled to receive statutory compensation as part of agreeing new terms with the council .
It is expected they will still have around eighteen months left in the current building so nothing will change for traders right away and they will continue to welcome customers as normal .
When the Market is being rebuilt , traders will be housed temporarily on Europa Boulevard in a modern , fit for purpose development , until the new Market is ready .
Cllr Tony Jones , Wirral Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth , said : “ We are about to embark on the new and exciting phase for Birkenhead , with ambitious plans to revitalise the town . Issuing these section 25 notices is a technical step but it shows we are absolutely serious about Birkenhead ’ s redevelopment . And I can give my assurance that we will be supporting traders throughout the entire regeneration process . We all want the same thing – to make Birkenhead a vibrant and attractive location , drawing in shoppers to the Market and other retailers and giving the town the boost it needs . We have also made it clear that we will support where possible any trader who wants to stay in the area but chooses not to come with us to the temporary market to find alternative premises .”
During the pandemic lockdown the council supported Birkenhead Market traders by charging no rent for three months and then providing a 50 % rent reduction for three months for all market traders who were able to reopen as lockdown started to be eased in June .
Cllr Jones added : “ The Market will continue to have a huge role to play in the future of Birkenhead town centre and I hope residents won ’ t forget the incredible effort the traders put in to supply essential food to residents across Wirral during lockdown – especially those who needed to shield or self-isolate .” wirrallife . com 7