A NEW Bolton company is fitting loft and cavity wall insulation for free for householders and landlords.

European Union funding rules dictate that the big six energy suppliers must use up their Home Heating Cost Reduction Obligation funding allocation or face fines.

The ruling has enabled Bolton businessmen David Hilton, aged 45, and Mark Norris, aged 47, to set up Ecological Energy Systems North West Ltd, trading as Greenhomes4free, from their base in Chorley Old Road.

Teams of specialist cavity wall and loft insulation fitters have led the way in the south of the country.

And after visiting Plymouth to see how a business contact was running a similar company, Mr Hilton and Mr Norris have recruited their own team of specialists from Plymouth to carry out the work in Bolton.

Their office in Chorley Old Road is now receiving calls from householders who want to cut their energy bills by insulating their homes.

Former George Tomlinson’s High School pupil Mr Hilton said: “People think there is a catch to this, but there is not. There is an enormous team carrying this work out in London. One landlord spoken to asked for it to be fitted to all 86 of his properties when he was told about it.”

Mr Hilton said that having cavity wall insulation fitted would normally cost about £550.

“Once a survey is carried out and a home is deemed suitable for cavity wall insulation, small holes of about 22mm in diameter are drilled in a pre-determined pattern.

“Insulation is then blown along flexible hose into the cavity through the holes.”

Mr Hilton said the team carrying out the work in Bolton have signed up to a professional code of practice provided by the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency, which guarantees the work for 25 years.

“Insulation has many benefits,” added Mr Hilton. “Homes are warmer in winter and cooler in summer and are more energy efficient. As a result there should by big savings on heating bills.

“The heating system will emit less carbon dioxide. Glasswool insulation will also reduce outside noise and increase resistance to fire.”

Greenhomes4free can be contacted by email at sales@greenhomes4free.co.uk or by phone on 01204 465331 or 01204 844353.