WORK on a £10 million scheme to make the borough’s largest estate more energy efficient could begin as early as May.

But people living in Liston Way on the Orchard Estate in Woodford Green, say a hike in heating costs in their block could send them broke before the work is finished.

The plan to upgrade cladding, install double glazing and put in a new heating system on the estate was revealed at a meeting between Liston Way residents and councillors.

Jim Brennan, who lives in Liston Way, organised a petition against a rise in heating charges which will see residents paying 30 percent more than those in neighbouring blocks.

He was among 30 residents at a meeting with the Council’s Deputy Leader, Ian Bond, and cabinet member for housing, Robin Turbefield, last night.

Mr Brennan said: “They had this bit of paper with figures on it saying that somewhere in the block someone is using a lot of electricity and that was it.”

"This big scheme they are talking about is all very well, but people will go broke before it's finished."

Cllr Bond said the council was in a ‘race against time’ to secure funding for work on the estate, partly funded by power companies as part of the government’s Community Energy Savings programme.

He added that the chances of the bid succeeding were roughly 80/20, with any work on modernising the blocks beginning in May.

But he admitted: “We recognise residents would not see the benefits on their bills until 2013.

“I do believe the figures for Liston Way need to be examined again. The disparity could be down to the age of the heating system in that block or some other factor.

“But I believe figures can be checked on a flat by flat basis and I think that needs to be done.”

Cllr Turbefield added: “Moving forward we might look at charging flats on an individual basis, but only if it is feasible and practical to do so.”

Stewart Bisset, 65, who lives in Liston Way, said: “Surely the council could pin down which flats are using so much energy.

“It’s not fair that everyone else in the block has to pay for them.”