RESIDENTS of homes that were to miss out on free insulation improvements are delighted their properties are now to get the same treatment as their neighbours.

Many homes in the Leadmill estate in Catterick Garrison are being fitted with external cladding to make the properties more energy efficient – but around 40 households were told they are not eligible because they have already had other free insulation carried out.

Residents who thought they would miss out on the Government scheme said their homes would be devalued and the estate would look untidy with all but one property in some streets receiving the cladding.

But Yorkshire Energy Partnership has now told The Northern Echo that all the houses would now receive the same treatment.

Chief executive of Yorkshire Energy Partnership, Hugh Cripps, said: “Our partner, Cosyseal Group, has had confirmation from the scheme funders that the case they lodged asking for intervention to extend scheme eligibility to these properties has been approved successfully.

“We are delighted to inform residents that government funding has now been allocated to these properties by Cosyseal Group and these properties are now eligible for fully-funded insulation, leading to lower energy bills and an improved external appearance.

“A letter will be going out to residents shortly, with a timescale for works taking place.”

Resident Angela Cullen, of Essex Close, had complained to William Hague MP after being told her home was not eligible for the work, but has said she is delighted to hear it now is.

She said: “The houses left out would have looked dreadful and out of place.

“I have been told the work will not get done now until after Christmas but we expected that and are just happy that all our homes will look the same and have the same high quality insulation.”