As many as 600 homes in the west Norwich area could be set to benefit from more than £35,000 of funding for insulation and renewable energy sources.

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The Save a Tonne Community Challenge is among 155 schemes nationwide which have won a share of £5.1m funding from the Local Energy Assessment Fund (LEAF).

The Community Solutions East and Zero Carbon Britain scheme has been awarded £36,373 for householders in the Greater West Norwich area, including places such as Bowthorpe, Costessey, Easton, Bawburgh and Honingham.

A spokesman for the scheme said: “The primary objective is to enable as many households as possible to get grants for loft and cavity wall insulation through free impartial advice, and information on renewable energy technologies.

“Many people are unaware they are entitled to these grants, irrespective of income level. There is no limit to the amount of houses that can sign up and help Greater West Norwich reach its resilience target.

“It’s free to be involved and could save you as much as £216 in the first year.”

The campaign is not only for householders but community groups with buildings they would like help in improving.

The funding will also be used to run community events that engage local people and schools, through workshops that will encourage communities to conserve energy, cut carbon and save money.

LEAF is managed by a consortium of community networks administered by the Energy Saving Trust, with the money intended to be used for understanding energy efficiency at a local level and renewable energy generation issues.

The funding comes as the government gears up for the launch of the “Green Deal” later this year, the first scheme of its kind in the world, which is aimed at overhauling the energy efficiency of homes across the UK.

Ed Davey, secretary of state for energy and climate change, said: “The big national challenges of keeping the lights on and emissions down can be tackled in small ways in our homes and local communities.

“These grants are designed to nurture the ideas and enthusiasm of communities up and down the country who want to cut energy use, cut emissions and save money.”

To apply for the Save a Tonne Community Challenge, email info@saveatonne.org.uk, or for more details, go to www.saveatonne.org.uk

Do you know a community group which has been given new funds? Contact reporter David Freezer on 01603 772418 or david.freezer@archant.co.uk