Luton Borough Council

27/04/2023 - Mobile home site switches to mains gas

Residents of the mobile home site on St Thomas Road, Stopsley have had their lives transformed following a switch from bottled gas to connection to the gas mains.

A total of 31 homes have now been joined to the gas mains network. The advantages of this change are obvious. Previously residents would have had to endure the various inconveniences and safety concerns of storing gas outside their properties. Older people and those with disabilities were particularly affected and struggled to change cylinders which could run out at any time of the day or night.

At the same time 25 homes have also had a new energy efficient boiler installed and everyone involved has benefitted from a new gas heating system.

The project was a joint venture led by Luton Council’s Domestic Energy Efficiency Manager, Shabir Hussain. It was funded by Affordable Warmth Solutions on behalf of Cadent. The gas network infrastructure was installed by Network Plus. The heating installations were carried out by Green Home Plans. Work was overseen by the council’s Housing Team together with input from the Tenant Participation Team.

In total £160K was invested in the project which has changed the lives of those living on the site.

One of the beneficiaries of the scheme, Sarah Squires, commented: “I have been impressed with all those involved. Everyone has been very polite and professional and despite a certain amount of upheaval everything has been cleaned and returned to the state it was before the work began. Thank you everyone.”

James Dellar, another resident said: “A big thanks for sorting out the mains gas supply to our homes on the mobile home site in Stopsley. It has made a massive change to our lives saving us money, and not having to buy expensive gas bottles from Calor gas.”

Colin Moone, director of Housing at Luton Council, added: “I am pleased that the council has been able to coordinate and lead on this project. Its importance to the residents cannot be overestimated. As we all continue to struggle with our daily lives, the installation of mains gas to this group of residents will pay dividends in terms of finance and convenience for each one of them.

“I would also like to thank our partners on this project for their hard work and the excellent impression they left upon the people of the mobile home park.”