Mr Muir said, "I am delighted that Park Home residents of Seahaven in Groomsport can now finally apply for their well overdue £600 energy support payment. While most of us have been able to avail of the support, the residents in Seahaven have been paying out of their pocket this winter. 

"I know many constituents who would have been lost without the energy support payment, so to think that some of our more senior community members have been left in the lurch for so long is unconscionable..

Seahaven Residential Park offers retirement home living for those over 55 at their parkland between Groomsport and Orlock. Park home facilities are different from caravan parks; for most residents, these are their permanent homes. Seahaven is the largest park home site in Northern Ireland.

In Seahaven, residents pay for their electricity directly to the site owners rather than having an individual connection to an electricity supplier. However, many have separate gas connections.

Mr Muir added: "It's now essential that residents know how to avail of the support.

"This can be done by filling out an online form specific to residents in Northern Ireland at https://www.gov.uk/apply-energy-bill-support-northern-ireland-if-not-automatic. 

"Alternatively, people can ring a Northern Ireland customer support team on 0808 175 3894, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm."