Kill the chill this winter

Date published: 12 October 2011

Winter is well and truly on its way but Bury Council has lots of tips to help people stay warm and well in their homes.

More than 17,000 households in Bury struggle to adequately heat their homes and are in, or at risk of, fuel poverty. Certain health problems can occur or be made worse if you live in a cold damp home, particularly mobility, heart or respiratory problems. This is a contributing factor to the number of excess winter deaths in the borough - on average 94 each year.

Last winter, Bury Council’s urban renewal service launched a successful campaign called “Kill the Chill” to raise awareness of the importance of staying warm and well in the cold, winter months.

Due to the success of this campaign and thanks to funding from Age of Opportunities, the team will be holding a series of events across the borough in October to coincide with national Energy Efficiency week. If you are over the age of 50, you will also be eligible for a free Winter Warmth Pack which will include lots of useful information and a Kill the Chill gel handwarmer!

These events are taking place on:

• Thursday 20 October: Radcliffe Asda, 10am-4pm

• Monday 24 October: Ramsbottom Morrison’s, 10am-4pm

• Wednesday 26 October: Mill Gate centre, Bury, 9am-4pm

• Friday 28 October: Mill Gate centre, Bury, 9am-4pm

Councillor Tony Isherwood, executive member for environment and economy, said: “Our campaign is more important than ever - the big six energy companies have recently increased their energy prices by an average of £161. One of the best ways we can help people is to help them make their homes warmer while reducing their fuel bills. By referring Bury residents for cavity wall and loft insulation grants, we can help them to keep heat in, stay warm and save approximately £265 a year on their heating bills."

There are full or partial grants for a range of energy efficiency measures available to all homeowners and private tenants, and you do not need to be in receipt of a benefit to be eligible for some assistance.

It is also important to apply for and claim the benefits to which you are entitled, and benefits checks and debt advice are available.

Anyone who would like more information on keeping warm this winter can call the urban renewal service on 0161 253 6367 for impartial advice.