Chale residents and representatives from South Wight Housing Association and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, with a banner made by the Chale Arts and Sewing Club. Picture by SWHA/Steve Thearle.
VILLAGERS turned out in force for the launch celebration of the Chale Community Project.
The first part of the project involves the retrofit of 67 homes in Spanners Close with air source heat pumps and solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.
South Wight Housing Association is working in partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation on this pilot project to establish what fuel-cost savings and carbon reductions can be made.
Works are due to start in earnest shortly, but one home has already been fitted out as a show home to demonstrate what is involved to other residents.
Dame Ellen MacArthur said: "This is the start of something really exciting for Chale.
"Seeing the first air-source heat pumps and solar panels go in is a tangible sign things are really happening.
"We know it won’t all be plain sailing as these installations do involve some disruption but it shouldn’t be long before the benefits can be seen and send positive ripples through the community."
Air source heat pumps and a new water-filled radiator system are replacing costly night-storage heating, and solar PV panels will help to reduce electricity costs.
Residents also have the chance to join a three-month renewable technology training programme. Working alongside the official installers on the project, trainees will learn plumbing, electrical skills, and work with heating engineering and cylinder installations.
The drop-in-day was also a chance for people to take away information about ways to manage their waste, water and health.
Chale Horticultural Society was on hand to provide 'grow your own’ tips.
Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk