PSM pensioners want to see solution to gas woes 'tout de suite'

Pensioners in Port St Mary are calling for regulations to be put in place to protect those living in sheltered accommodation.

It comes as many Island residents are preparing to see their gas bills reduce this month.

You can find out more HERE.

In December the Southern Sheltered Housing Joint board issued letters to its residents informing them they will be paying an increase of £29.68 a week for heating costs from 1 January.

That takes bills up to £61.37 a week to £245.48 a month.

In the letter, seen by Manx Radio, the reason for the increase is said to be a combination of rising consumption and prices.

The board adds it's exhausted heating reserves in order to cover the costs of increases over the past two years but an adjustment is unavoidable.  

On Monday (6 January) residents of the Cooil Veg complex held a meeting to discuss their concerns. 

This resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, represents 22 others in their housing unit: 

The MHK that the resident refers to during the interview is Juan Watterson. 

In December he said he was hopeful a solution could be found down the line:

Manx Radio has invited the Southern Sheltered Housing Joint Board and Isle of Man Energy to respond. 

You can listen to the full interview with the Cooil Veg resident on Manx Newscast:

Last year pensioners living in sheltered housing in Ramsey said they were 'delighted' their six-month battle to reduce their gas bills had been successful.