RESIDENTS in West Devon are being offered the opportunity to benefit from a winter grant scheme funded through a government partnership with UK energy providers. The ?Warm Up West Devon? initiative offers households across the district a chance to claw back some of the £670 million that the Energy Savings Trust calculates is wasted through inadequate household insulation every year. The project aims to make homes in West Devon warmer, safer and greener by offering insulation and safety works at low cost, or in many cases completely free of charge. The scheme is run in partnership with West Devon Borough Council, the Devon Efficiency Advice Centre, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, Devon Care and Repair and the Community Safety Partnership, West Devon residents who receive an income related benefit qualify for a free winter house survey, financial aid to cover loft and cavity wall insulation, two free low energy light bulbs, a free smoke alarm and advice on welfare and benefit entitlements. Householders may even qualify for the installation of a chain and mirror door entry system for greater safety in the home. Even West Devon residents not on an income related benefit may still qualify for a discounted grant. The scheme even provides grants for ?top up? insulation for those with existing insulation, so the council is urging all residents to apply. By making sure that properties are correctly insulated residents can not only reduce individual household energy bills by up to £300 per year, but can also help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions produced into the environment. David Banks, West Devon?s head of regulatory services said: ?This is a government and council backed scheme and there really is no catch. ?There are great benefits to be gained by homeowners and tenants.? Cllr Diana Moyse, chairman of the borough?s future planning committee, said: ?I urge people to take up this scheme. There?s a real green element to this project too as it conserves energy.? For further information call Freephone 0800 512012, quoting ?Warm Up West Devon? or go to http://www.westdevon.gov.uk/warmupwestdevon">www.westdevon.gov.uk/warmupwestdevon