ECO-PROJECTS in the Meadows could benefit from up to £600,000 of extra cash – but organisers say they need the support of the community.

The Meadows' Ozone Energy Service (MOZES) is working to reduce the carbon footprint of the area by insulating homes, giving energy advice and installing solar panels.

Now the organisation is in the running to win two different pots of cash.

It is through to the regional final of the British Gas Green Streets competition and will receive £100,000 if it wins.

Meanwhile it has also put in a bid for up to £500,000 from a new Energy Share fund run by Hugh Fernley-Whittenstall's River Cottage restaurant and British Gas, but need residents to register their support online.

Ian Nicholson, green community advisor and project manager in the Meadows, led the bid for funding from the Green Streets competition at an event on Wednesday.

The Meadows' presentation included a rap performed by the Meadows Youth Club and an interview conducted by Wilf Meadows, the MOZES mascot.

Mr Nicholson, who will find out next week if the MOZES project has won, said he felt optimistic.

"We are really the only large inner city area in the competition," he said.

"A lot of them are in more affluent, rural areas, which don't have as many people participating, so I think we stand a good chance."

MOZES was given £100,000 by the Green Streets scheme last year to spend on energy measures.

The organisation now has to show that it has made the most energy savings of the 14 projects nationwide which are in the competition in order to win a further £100,000.

The previous £100,000 was used to assess 100 houses for energy efficiency, install solar panels on 35 homes and employ a green community advisor.

It has also been used to give grants to households to help install loft insulation and energy-efficient boilers – including a new boiler in the Queen's Walk Community Centre.

Mr Nicholson said it is not just energy that Meadows residents are saving.

"About 40 per cent of people live in fuel poverty in the Meadows, so it is all about saving cash," he said. "We have been combining energy advice with debt advice to help people save money and manage their finances better."

To win up to £500,000 from the Energy Share fund the group must ensure they have the most online supporters on the project's website.

Mr Nicholson said he hoped the community would get behind the bid.

"We are trying to get support by approaching different community groups and getting them to spread the message," he said.

Mr Nicholson said that, if they win the extra money, it would be spent on further home improvements – especially to houses in the Old Meadows area.

"In the Old Meadows, there are lots of Victorian houses, where the cheaper insulation just isn't possible – just to do the front and back of a house would cost £10,000," he said.

The organisation also has long-term plans for the Meadows to create its own energy.

"The ultimate aim is to create our own Meadows grid – and either give residents the energy for a lower tariff, or sell it on to the energy companies," added Mr Nicholson.

"If we win the money, it will all be about investing back into the Meadows and reducing bills for the people who live there."

To support the MOZES Energy Share bid, visit www.energyshare.com/mozes/