HOUSEHOLDERS in Ribble Valley are being offered free draught-proofing workshops on taking simple steps to make homes warmer and reduce energy bills.

Energy advisor Andrew Northcott will demonstrate how to detect draughts and select and fit the most effective draught-proofing products, including window and door seals, chimney balloons and radiator reflector panels.

Most houses have cracks and gaps through which warm air escapes and cold air seeps in, such as between and around floorboards, around windows and doors, through the letterbox, where pipework comes through external walls, around the loft hatch and around electrical fittings.

Ribble Valley Council housing officer John Barber said: “No-one likes to live in a draughty house. Apart from the discomfort, it is a waste of money if the air that you have paid to heat simply escapes through the gaps in your property.

“Draught-proofing is easy and, as householders will discover at these free workshops, a bit of DIY can go a long way in plugging the gaps and keeping homes cosy.”

They are being held at Slaidburn Village Hall on July 2 and at Chipping Village Hall and Park House in Longridge on July 7,

The Slaidburn and Chipping workshops start at 10am and the Longridge workshop at 2pm.

To book call John Barber at Ribble Valley Council on 01200 425111.