TENANTS and residents whose homes are heated from a 'faulty' biomass boiler in Greenock are in danger of falling into fuel poverty to keep warm, a councillor has warned.
Colin Jackson held emergency talks with bosses from River Clyde Homes (RCH) earlier this week after fielding calls from 'freezing' Broomhill tenants.
Councillor Jackson said one tenant had contacted him with fears they might be forced to choose between paying their rent or heating their homes in the middle of winter.
It comes after RCH admitted that following the last breakdown of its district heating system, only one of the boiler's three pumps are working - with those living furthest away from the boiler, which is located next to the Prospecthill Court high-rise flats, worst affected.
Problems with the system have left some tenants relying on temporary heaters, costing up to £50 a week.
RCH is now offering compensation to tenants affected - but Councillor Jackson says the offer still falls short.
Councillor Jackson, who met RCH offiicals along with other councillors from the Inverclyde Central ward, said: "There is absolutely no doubt - tenants are freezing and being put into fuel poverty.
"I asked for a meeting after a tenant called wanting to use rent money to pay for electrics.
"The heaters are adding on average £50 a week to the average heating bill,. Residents are already spending hundreds of pounds keeping warm while paying a standing charge for a system that has been down for nearly a month.
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"Tenants are having to choose between paying for electric heaters or paying their rent. They are having to use money they would have used for Christmas presents on these heaters.
"In one case a tenant was advised that if they want a hot bath, they need to go to an empty flat in Broomhill Court.
"This is unacceptable."
The faulty pumps have led to intermittent interruptions to the supply to properties in Broomhill Street and Drumfrochar Road.
Councillor Jackson says he asked for residents forced to use temporary heaters to be compensated by RCH.
He added: "Every time I ask about compensation I am ignored.
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"On the back of the meeting RCH are now offering tenants £40 compensation. As much as this is welcome, it falls well short of the sums people have already paid, and continue to pay, to keep warm.
"Tenants cannot afford to use these heaters then have to wait weeks or months for a claim to be processed and paid out."
River Clyde Homes has told the councillors that the repairs will be completed by December 22.
A spokesman said: “Following a power surge on November 17, two of three system pumps were damaged which resulted in the system operating at a reduced capacity.
"From 550 connected homes, this affected a very small number of properties, and we made extensive efforts to offer support to those impacted.
"We maintain a considerable commitment to ensure district heating remains reliable and affordable.
"We would encourage anyone experiencing financial problems to contact our financial wellbeing team on 01475 788887."
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