THERE is help for older people in Ludlow and south Shropshire worried about the cost of keep warm this winter.

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is a local charity supporting older people and has once again been successful in securing additional funding to offer free and impartial home energy checks for the over 60s.

Keeping warm in the colder months is a huge issue for many homeowners who live in Shropshire. Many people live in poorly insulated houses which are not on the main gas grid and are therefore expensive to heat. Shockingly around 300 older people die every winter in Shropshire from cold-related causes.

The free advisory service is delivered in partnership with Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin and Marches Energy Agency. The charity wants to stress it is not trying to sell anything, the one hour visit will offer impartial advice to make homes warmer and could save money on heating bills.

“With temperatures plummeting to minus 11 in some parts of Shropshire last winter we are urging older people to think ahead and prepare their homes for the coming winter months,” said Heather Osborne, Chief Executive of Age UK in Shropshire and Wrekin.

“Last year we visited over 100 older people who were desperate for help to reduce their energy bills.”

For a free check call Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin on 01743 233123.