RESIDENTS do not know where to turn after finding out cavity wall insulation fitted in a council scheme could damage their homes.

A number of Northwich residents took advantage of an initiative for reduced insulation about five years ago, but have since found out their unique town centre architecture makes their houses unsuitable for the work.

Chris Harris, of London Road, said: “Because the council [then the former Cheshire County Council] was promoting insulation cheap, that’s why a lot of people had it done without being aware of the damage it can cause.

“My next door neighbour is trying to sell his house and had a buyer, but now the buyer can’t get a mortgage on the property because it’s got cavity wall insulation.

“People have taken the council up on the offer without knowing the possible consequences and now we don’t know which way to turn.”

Many houses built in Northwich town centre in the 1970s have a steel frame construction, a deliberate design so buildings can be jacked up in the event of the town’s former subsidence issues, a relic of its salt mining past.

But cavity wall insulation is inappropriate in steel framed buildings because it increases the risk of condensation forming in the cavity, being trapped against the frame and causing corrosion.

Chris said: “Apparently it’s a minimal risk but because of the way the country is at the moment, the banks aren’t willing to lend.”

He said he had work done after a knock on the door from contractors working in the area who explained the council scheme and the benefits of cavity wall insulation.

It can cost between £2,000 and £4,000 to have the insulation removed.

Chris has spoken to Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans about the issue, who has written to the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Company (CIGA), which issued 25-year guarantee certificates for some of the houses insulated.

Mr Evans said: “Northwich is a unique place and doesn’t necessarily have the type of properties that should have cavity wall insulation – organisations and companies should know that.

“I’m going to do whatever I can for Mr Harris because he acted with the best of intentions – insulation is environmentally and economically something which we all encourage.”

A spokesman for Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC), which is currently offering free loft and cavity wall insulation throughout August, said: “The case relating to five years ago was before Cheshire West and Chester Council came into being.

“The council currently works in partnership with Cheshire West Warm Zone to deliver insulation measures to residents across the borough.

“All contractors used by our partner are approved installers and their work is monitored to ensure it adheres to the relevant industry standards.”