Priority is given to people living in Blaenau Gwent and the Heads of the Valleys and so far, 85 per cent of applications have come from these areas. After May 1, applications from across Wales will be processed. National Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Elfed Roberts, said: "We are delighted that so many local people have applied for tickets. We are sure that the scheme will become more popular over the coming weeks."
The next step is to deliver 40,000 leaflets about the scheme to homes across the borough. The Eisteddfod is being held in The Works, Ebbw Vale, from July 31 - August 7 and is expect to attract around 160,000 people. To apply for tickets, call 08454 090 300 or visit www.eisteddfod.org.uk
The Warm Front Scheme is a Government initiative which is designed to make homes more energy efficient by providing heating measures worth up to £3,500, or £6,000 where oil central heating is required, to specific households. These include households receiving child tax credit, disability living allowance or working tax credit. Heating measures being installed include loft insulation, draught proofing, fitting hot water tank jackets and installing combi-boilers depending on the work needed.
The two-year contract will see Wil-Mor-Will staff install these systems into more than 30 homes a week around England. The contract was gained with the help of the Assembly’s Supplier Development Service which helps companies bid for and win public service contracts. Wil-Mor-Wil co-director Tanya Greenland said: “This work will effectively double our workload and open up major opportunities for the company."
The company, which has seen its number of employees grow from 12 to 80 over the past ten years, is already contracted to deliver the Welsh equivalent of the Warm Front Scheme - the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme funded by the Assembly.
Born in Plymouth, Mr Foot worked as a journalist before fighting his first parliamentary election in 1935 when he stood for Labour in Monmouth. He was first elected as an MP in 1945 and became a Gwent MP in 1960 for the seat of Ebbw Vale, which later became Blaenau Gwent. He then succeeded Jim Callaghan as Labour leader in 1980 and stood down after losing the 1983 election. He was replaced by Neil Kinnock.
He retired from the House of Commons in 1992. On July 23, 2006, Mr Foot celebrated his 93rd birthday and became the longest lived leader of any British political party. The Argus reported last week how tributes were paid to Mr Foot following his death. These were led by prime minister Gordon Brown who said he was "a man of deep principle" and "an indomitable figure who always stood up for his beliefs".
Independent MP for Blaenau Gwent, Dai Davies said it was "a great honour" to follow in his footsteps while Blaenau Gwent AM Trish Law called him "a political colossus". Wales secretary, Peter Hain said: "Never again, will we see such soaring oratory, socialist passion and wit." Residents in Tredegar, where Mr Foot had his constituency home in Morgan Street, also described him as a down to earth person who always had time for his residents.