ENERGY companies have been accused of 'paying lip-service' to Cumbrae residents as the island’s fight for smart meter appointments rumbles on.

Furious locals says they have been unable to get appointments, have been hit with last-minute cancellations and in some cases have been waiting more than two years for devices to be installed.

Watchdog OFGEM are also now involved after a campaigning politician told them about the snubs.

Ward councillor Todd Ferguson wrote to MSPs six weeks ago to try and find a solution - but the island-based representative said today that no improvements in the service have been made.

He explained: “Following my letter, I’ve heard from some islanders who then got appointments set up, but ironically the company didn’t show up and they've been told they can’t schedule another one.

“These firm are now paying lip service to islanders, it's not good enough.

“I am going to get in touch with all residents to see if any meters have been installed, because it doesn’t look like it so far.

“There is no point in setting up an appointment and then not coming – it is just a waste of everyone’s time.”

Cllr Ferguson says that none of the energy companies have covered themselves in glory over the saga, and says locals are receiving inferior treatment to those across the water.

He added: “MSP Neil Bibby has been extremely helpful, but to be honest we shouldn’t need to be getting members of parliament involved to find a solution.

“It has been handled extremely poorly by the energy companies who need to be doing more for islanders.

“We just want Cumbrae people to have the same options as the mainland has and not feel discriminated against.”

Mr Bibby is backing Cllr Ferguson’s campaign.

He said: “I’ve been supporting constituents on Cumbrae to get answers on why their appointments are being cancelled and why others are waiting over a year for installation of smart meters.

“Islanders feel they are being treated like second class citizens and I have raised these issues directly in parliament in the hope that we can find solutions for those on the islands.

“I have also written to energy regulator OFGEM to make them aware of the issue.”