A PIONEERING energy saving project will be used to upgrade three blocks of flats in Wisbech after a �200,000 European grant.

The scheme will use the latest technology, with heating systems changed and electricity generated on site to keep costs and power use down.

Agape House, Faith House and Hope House, in Mill Close, Wisbech, will benefit from the project, which was made possible after a successful bid for cash from the European Regional Development Fund and Housing Growth Fund.

Cambridgeshire County Council joined forces with Fenland District Council, Anglia Ruskin University and Luminus to launch the successful bid.

The money will be used as part of a �500,000 project from SmartLIFE Retro-fit for business, who will carry out work on the social housing.

Information gained from the project will be used to help Fenland companies cut their own costs and attract business using the benefits on the energy saving systems.

Councillor Chris Seaton, Fenland District Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy, said: “This project will not only help businesses in the area to take advantage of the growing energy efficiency sector, it will also help to identify which retrofit solutions are most effective, meaning better returns for businesses and greater reductions in carbon emissions.

“It is fantastic that social housing in Fenland will benefit from retrofitting while also contributing to improved understanding in this important sector.”

Fenland firms will also be given a series of information workshops, opportunities to observe companies already working in the low energy use sector and a chance to visit the Wisbech sites during installation work.

Councillor Matthew Shuter, County Council Cabinet Member for Enterprise, said: “I think this exciting and pioneering project will help put Cambridgeshire at the forefront of the development of the low carbon economy.

“This will be done by expanding the knowledge and expertise of local companies, while at the same time bringing energy saving and cost reduction advantages to the tenants of the housing which will benefit from modern heating and energy use systems.”

The installation project and energy monitoring programme will run until 2014.

Companies or individuals wanting more information should contact Cambridgeshire County Council Project Manager Kat Von Glos on 01223 715950 or via e-mail at: katherine.vonglos@cambridgeshire.gov.uk