News

Warm Homes Week, the annual winter awareness campaign, will be running from 28 November to 8 December 2003 and the Borough of Poole is offering their complete support.

Warm Homes Week is organised by national energy action charity NEA in partnership with npower. The campaign seeks to cut the number of deaths in winter and reduce cold-related illnesses by raising awareness on the problems facing people who cannot afford to heat their homes in winter.

Councillor Bill Wretham, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: "We are very pleased to join the campaign against fuel poverty by supporting Warm Homes Week. This problem attacks the most vulnerable members of our community - the poor and elderly, families with young children, people with disabilities and others on low incomes. Poole launched a 'Warmer Healthier Homes' strategy in March this year and so far we have been able to help many people with energy efficiency problems."

William Gillis, Chief Executive of NEA, said: "We are grateful for the support of the Borough of Poole in this year's Warm Homes Week. Their participation means that the energy efficiency message will reach an even greater number of vulnerable people this winter."

Editors' notes:

• Anyone in the Poole area who feel that they may have trouble keeping warm this winter or for information on all types of financial assistance that may be available, please contact: Erica Pretty, Private Sector Housing Co-ordinator, tel: 01202 633 428 or email e.pretty@poole.gov.uk \n

• Poole's Affordable Warmth Strategy was launched in March 2003 and was developed in joint partnership with Borough of Poole and National Energy Action (NEA) to help tackle Fuel Poverty. For more information contact Borough of Poole Website at www.boroughofpoole.com

• For National Energy Action charity contact 0191 261 5677. \n