Council helps you to cut your energy bills

Do you want to cut your carbon footprint and save money at the same time?

From today residents of Blackburn with Darwen can borrow an energy monitor for free from libraries across the borough, just as you would a book, CD or DVD.

The monitors can be used at home to help save energy and money on bills and to find out how much electricity you are using and what it is costing.

The units are available on loan for three weeks. They come with an instruction booklet and are easy to install.

Pick one up at the following Blackburn with Darwen libraries: Blackburn Central Library, Darwen Library, Livesey Library, Mill Hill Library, Roman Road Neighbourhood Learning Centre and Library and the Mobile Library.

Councillor Michael Law-Riding, executive member for environment and sustainability, said: "The average household in the UK spends around £1,300 per year on energy, which is set to increase even more with rising prices.

"Leaving a games console in "idle mode" could add £164 a year on to your electricity bill.

"I encourage everyone to visit one of the libraries and borrow a free energy monitor. If everyone takes a few easy steps, our collective impact could be vital."