The Bonnyrigg District Heating Scheme, run by Midlothian Council, charges residents of the Waverleys a flat rate of £98, regardless of how much fuel is used, or the size of the property.

Now Samantha and Kirsty Ashton, who both live on Waverley Crescent, have called for the system to be reviewed in a petition to the Scottish Parliament – signed by 117 residents.

NHS care assistant Samantha (40), who lives in a three-bedroom, top floor flat with her three children said: "People in the scheme are saying because we're paying so much we might as well have every radiator on."

Samantha, who also pays £50 for electricity each month, said: "It doesn't matter if you're a pensioner, or a single parent – you pay the same. It doesn't matter if you have a house with a conservatory or a three-bedroom flat – you pay the same."

In September, Midlothian Council's cabinet agreed to put up the cost of the heating scheme by 35 per cent – from £73.05 to £98.58 per month – due to the national increase in the cost of gas and electricity.

There are 215 properties in the heating scheme, of which 152 are owned or occupied by private tenants and 63 occupied by council tenants.

Kirsty (37), who lives in a house with a conservatory and attic extension, told the Advertiser her biggest issue with the scheme was the price.

Kirsty, who works for Edinburgh Royal Infirmary's accident and emergency department, lives with her partner William Graham (44), a Network Rail employee and their three children, Aaron, Annie and Emily.

After discussing the cost of installing a new gas supply with a plumber, Kirsty believes leaving the scheme could come to between £3,000 and £6,000.

Another resident, legal secretary Linda Egan, who lives on Waverley Road, said: "I know everyone's bill is going up, but I think the thing about the Waverleys is you don't have any control over it."

A spokesman for Midlothian Council said: "Although the price rose by 35% with effect from September, this increase is still less than half the increase in recent cumulative wholesale prices and the council is committed to carrying out a review of these charges in the next financial year.

"If residents wish to make their own gas supply arrangements, they will be individually liable for the cost of installation."

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