FAMILIES in Chapel Allerton are going green by installing solar panels and rain water harvesters in their properties. Three eco-friendly couples in the village are now using solar panels to heat their water and one pair is collecting rain water to flush t

FAMILIES in Chapel Allerton are going green by installing solar panels and rain water harvesters in their properties.Three eco-friendly couples in the village are now using solar panels to heat their water and one pair is collecting rain water to flush the toilets.Bob and Imogen Drakeford, of Back Lane, had a solar panel installed in their roof in June and despite a particularly wet summer they had all the hot water they needed.The storage tank has also reached temperatures 11 degrees higher than normal and the pair is now urging other people to follow in their environmentally-friendly footsteps.Bob said: "We wanted to do something to reduce our carbon footprint and cut the amount of oil we burn."We reckon we used to burn three tanks of oil a year, but we're going to cut that down to two or less. We'll still have to use the boiler for heating, but it's a start."We've been getting all the hot water we need and that was during a particularly rainy summer."The highest temperature we received in the storage cylinder was 71 degrees, which is 11 degrees hotter than we would normally have." Bob, aged 65, and Imogen, aged 63, who are retired, grow their own organic fruit and vegetables and compost their waste.The couple, who have lived in Chapel Allerton for 28 years, have also given up holidaying abroad to save the environment.But it is not just the Drakefords who have gone green, their next door neighbours and a family in Front Street are also making their homes more sustainable.Solar water heating systems can provide up to 70 per cent of the water required each year in the UK and it helps households to reduce their CO2 emissions by one tonne.Anyone interested in turning their home green can call Bob and Imogen on 01934 712685.* Pictured above: Bob outside his environmentally-friendly home.