Falkirk residents take their protest to Scottish Power's doorstep

The group, known as Falkirk’s Forgotten Villages – Ending Fuel Poverty, scored a major victory earlier this year when Falkirk Council agreed to begin installing gas central heating in over 700 properties in the Braes area.

However, the work will not be carried out before winter comes calling so the group, which was started by Slamannan residents Claire Mackie and Fiona Gordon late last year, are now gearing up to take the fight right to the source of the problem.

Claire said: “On Monday, August 24 we are going to protest outside Scottish Power’s head office in Glasgow. There are around 50 of us going from this area and more from other areas.

“We face another winter of Scottish Power charging astronomical weekly bills, forcing us back into a fuel poverty crisis.”

The Falkirk’s Forgotten Villages – Ending Fuel Poverty campaign began in November last year when residents complained the THERMAflow electric heating system the council recommended be installed in their homes was combining with the Scottish Power fuel tariff to create extraordinarily expensive bills – some as high as £150 per week.

The group’s online petition demanded an investigation into the rising costs and resulted in a face to face meeting with Scottish Power CEO Andrew Ward and national television exposure on BBC1’s One Show.

During the meeting, which took place at Falkirk Council’s municipal buildings last December, Mr Ward actually admitted to those present Scottish Power’s customer service had been “terrible” but the firm was now “trying to make amends”.

He also stated: “The reality is prices have increased but it’s just astronomical what you are actually consuming in your homes. I’m responsible for this company so we need to look at this – you have a consumption issue and a potential metering issue which may result in a billing issue.

“If there is a problem with the billing then we need to sort it. We don’t have anywhere else in the UK that has such a small nucleus of people who have such a high consumption.”

Protesters will gather outside the Scottish Power HQ at 320 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, from 11.30am.

Claire said: “We need as many people as possible to join us in protesting against the corrupt and morally wrong Scottish Power and to be heard that we say no to the overcharging, appalling customer service and a billing platform that doesn’t work.”

Visit Falkirk’s Forgotten Villages Ending Fuel Poverty Facebook page for more information.