ENERGY Alton is urging people struggling to keep warm this winter to seek help.

A community-interest company, Energy Alton aims to spread information about energy efficiency and minimising damp problems, give practical advice on how to save energy and reduce fuel costs and carbon dioxide emissions, and stimulate discussion on how to achieve a more sustainable community.

According to the group, an estimated seven per cent – or more than 600 households – in the Alton Town Council area are considered to be fuel poor, unable to afford to heat their homes adequately.

With this in mind, Energy Alton has joined forces with Hampshire County Council in urging anyone who needs help to keep warm to contact the ‘Hitting the Cold Spots’ service on (freephone) 0800 804 8601 or e-mail staywarm@

environmentcentre.com for advice.

Sheryll Mondey, adviser for the Hitting the Cold Spots project at the Environment Centre, described the impact of fuel poverty and the help available at a public meeting held by Energy Alton.

She said that 40 per cent of vulnerable households are faced with the stark choice of heating or eating. Cold homes are currently a bigger killer than road accidents, alcohol or drug abuse. Vulnerable people living in homes with bedroom temperatures of 15C or less are more likely to suffer mental health problems, respiratory disease, heart problems and strokes. If the temperature falls to 9C there is a risk of hypothermia.

Hitting the Cold Spots is now in its sixth year. The advice line is available to anyone interested in energy efficiency, saving money and keeping warm and well. For those at greater risk from cold weather, free face-to-face support from home visits is on offer, including practical support with emergency heating, access to funding for heating and hot water system repairs or replacements, assistance to switch energy provider or tariff, and practical advice on energy efficiency.

Ms Mondey gave examples of feedback from grateful clients who had been able to save money, improve their heating and health.

She also urged people who are eligible (pensioners, disabled people, people with chronic health conditions or with a visual or hearing impairment) to join the priority services register of their energy supplier.