Elizabeth Sadler (aged 75) is a retired radiographer who has lived in her Tendring home for over five years. She recently had unsafe loft insulation replaced as part of Essex County Council’s Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Scheme.

Speaking about how she found out about the scheme, Elizabeth said: “I came across a post on the Essex County Council Facebook page advertising the free funding, so I made a note of the contact number and gave the council a call.”

After making initial contact Elizabeth’s query was passed to Aran Insulation, Essex County Council’s contractor for the scheme.

She continued: “The Aran team took it from there and it was an incredibly straight-forward and simple process. I had a survey carried out when I bought my property, so the team could see, even before visiting, that I already had some green measures in place, such as cavity wall insulation and a modern boiler.

They did however note that my loft insulation wasn’t up to the government’s current standards, so they organised for a surveyor to come and take a look.”

During a visit to inspect Elizabeth’s home, which was built in the 1970s, the surveyor was alarmed to see that not only did the original loft insulation fall below today’s standards, it was actually paper-based, meaning it was highly flammable.

Elizabeth added: “It was very frightening to hear that my loft insulation didn’t comply with any fire regulations and posed a real risk to my safety. The surveyor said that Aran would replace the insulation as soon as possible for me. I was so grateful.”

Less than two weeks later, the contractors arrived at Elizabeth’s home to replace her flammable loft insulation. The whole process took less than a day to complete.

Commenting on the works, Elizabeth said: “I was so taken by the Aran team, they did a wonderful job. They put covering up the stairs to protect my carpet and left no mess at all.

“They even insulated neatly around the previously exposed loft hatch, which has already stopped a draft coming through. I particularly noticed the difference when it was cooler a couple of weeks ago. My upstairs rooms were so warm as the heat wasn’t escaping through the gaps like it used to. I know I’ll appreciate the new insulation in the winter as it’s made a vast difference to the warmth of my house already.”

Once works were completed, Elizabeth was sent a certificate in the post to show that her new loft insulation meets all current fire and energy efficiency regulations.

Elizabeth added: “I’m so relieved my home now has a reduced fire risk. I would strongly urge all Essex residents who feel they fit the scheme’s criteria to just pick up the phone and call Aran Insulation. Like myself, many others may be living in a dangerous home and not even realise it. Getting my loft insulated didn't cost me a penny as was so simple to sign up for. If I can do it, anybody can!"