20 December 2006
Scottish Gas, which was assigned the two-year contract to run the government's Warm Deal insulation programme and the free central heating programme, has promised to get the schemes "back on track" after nearly a year's delay.
According to the Shetland News, Scottish Gas' managing agent, Danny Queen, admitted that there had been serious problems, but promised to work with local people and local businesses to get the schemes back on track.
Mr Queen assured pensioners that the first systems would be installed in the new year, although the oil-fired central heating consumers would have to wait a little longer than the electric users as a contract supplier had not been found yet.
"During the transfer, I will honour all the problems that have happened. It is very unfortunate, but I will get in touch with Communities Scotland and Eaga to make sure these things move forward," Mr Queen pledged.
"We are now getting into a position where we understand what we need to do to get local contractors working for us. The big fear I have, however, is that local contractors are too busy to take on this work. But I would rather use local contractors than use outside contractors."
Shetland MSP Tavish Scott commented: "The transition has not been as smooth as any of us would have wished and has caused unnecessary uncertainties for old people waiting for schemes, and we need to learn the lessons for the future. Being able to secure local contractors to do this work is a big step forward.
"That will help people's confidence in the scheme and also give peace of mind for the future knowing that when a boiler needs servicing or something goes wrong with it they can get hold of someone quickly."
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