A GREENOCK councillor is calling on River Clyde Homes to help more people benefit from a £1.2m investment to insulate homes.

Residents living in the Cowdenknowes area have missed out on the energy efficiency programme so far.

As it got under way RCH was questioned for not taking part in phases two and three in Inverclyde.

Now, as another £1.2 million phase contract goes out to tender to continue the external insulation scheme, it is hoped a deal can be struck to extend it.

The energy efficiency work is viewed as key to fighting fuel poverty and helping to improve local housing.

Councillor McVey said: "It was unfortunate that RCH were unable to take part in phases two and three of the external wall insulation scheme in the last financial year.

"I know that the tenants and owner occupiers who were affected were extremely disappointed.

"Now that we are in a new financial year I have been back in contact with RCH.

"Unfortunately, like many other organisations, the Covid-19 crisis has delayed the completion of their investment plans for 2020/21

"I intend to engage further with RCH to encourage them to continue to invest in the Cowdenknowes area to complete phases two and three of the programme.

"The work done to date has been fantastic.

"Not only do residents have more energy efficient homes but the exterior finish of the properties further enhances the look of the area."

Since 2013 a total of £10m has been awarded to Inverclyde from the Scottish Government to carry out the work, with 2,000 properties upgraded.

All housing associations have been involved, with work throughout Greenock including Broomhill and in Port Glasgow.

Richard Orr, senior project manager for RCH, said: “As we indicated previously, we are assessing if works are required for these homes, to meet current energy efficiency standards.

"Our priority remains to target our investment capital towards those homes that need it most.

"We have the added consideration of needing to understand what we will be able to deliver this year, and where, once the current restrictions on construction works are lifted."