PENDLE Council has been commended for its drive to reduce energy use in the borough.

The authority received a glowing report from Government Office North West for the work it is doing to make homes in the borough more energy efficient to help reduce energy use by 30 per cent by 2010. Between April 2004 and March 2005, Pendle Council introduced energy efficiency measures at 929 privately-owned homes and draught-proofing at 479 homes.

It also furnished 707 lofts and installed boilers at 68 homes, while a further 90 gas central heating systems were installed and 1,269 homes benefited from cavity wall insulation.

New UPV windows and doors were fitted at 456 council homes and the authority also gave out hundreds of hot water tank jackets.

For more information about Pendle's HECA report, contact Heather Shaw, 01282 661117.