A SCHEME supposed to help people improve their homes is causing friction among neighbours.

A number of residents have been in touch with the Advertiser complaining about the scheme, which sees Worcestershire County Council, in conjunction with energy supplier E.ON, providing grants to contribute towards the cost of the installation of solid wall insulation.

Residents have said the scheme, part of the Government's Green Deal Communities Project, is too complicated and prices for the work are vastly different from one home to next – often in the same street.

Some residents said they have been quoted hundreds while others claim they have been asked to pay thousands.

One resident, Ron Morgan, of Dilwyn Close in Matchborough, said: “To have the same work done as my neighbours will cost me £4,000. I think it’s outrageous.

“The fact that other people have had their homes done and mine hasn’t been done is causing friction among neighbours.”

Speaking about the difference in quotes Anthony Blagg, the county council's cabinet member for the environment, said: "The quotes are formulated in line with the Government's Green Deal legislation and factors in such criteria as the existing energy efficiency of the property and energy usage, the number of people living there and the savings in carbon emissions which could be achieved as a result of the installation.

“Therefore, even in a row of terraced homes, where some will have more external walls and design variations mean others have longer external walls , the quote may vary from one property to another.”

He added: "We realise this may be confusing to some people and would invite any residents who have questions about the quotes they receive to discuss this with E.ON via the contact centre number on their paperwork.”