Neighbours challenged to go green in energy saving competition

Neighbours in two Stoke-on-Trent

streets have been set an energy saving challenge by Staffordshire Housing

Association.

Armed with energy saving devices, the families in Ruskin Close and

Shenton

Street, Longton, are competing to see who saves the

most energy.

Staffordshire Housing Association has challenged the residents to go

green for three months and has provided gadgets such as energy meters, and stand

by buster plugs to help them.

The

family which proves to be the best energy savers will get £600 to spend on an

A-rated energy saving appliance.

Lorna Proctor of Ruskin Close said: "It is a great idea and even if

we don't win the main prize we should all save

money.

"The

children like their Playstations and televisions so we probably haven't got much

chance, but it should remind us not to leave the TV on stand by and to switch

the lights off. I will be interested to see just how much can be

saved."

Emma

Roberts, Regeneration Programme Manager at Staffordshire Housing Association,

said: "We think this is a fun way to promote energy awareness which should also

help to promote community spirit as residents challenge each other to do their

bit.

"There is also a serious message behind the fun in that as a social

landlord we are always exploring new ways of getting value for money and paying

for energy is a big part of our tenants' household

budgets.

"Gadgets used in the challenge will be rolled out for use by our

tenants if they prove to be successful and simple to

use."