MORE than 600 householders have gained up to £2,500 each in a Rossendale Council bid to beat fuel poverty.

Council staff have teamed with the Eaga Partnership, who distribute government cash, based in Newcastle, to organise a B Warmer tour across the Valley.

The tour publicises grants for home insulation and for more efficient heating systems.

Money can be used for loft insulation, wall insulation, draft proofing and fitting new windows and doors.

Around 7,100 householders are thought to be eligible for help in Rossendale. With 663 people having claimed their share thanks to the tour, money is still available.

Backed by the Government's Warm Front grant scheme, help is available for owner occupiers and private sector tenants.

The eligible include pregnant women on some benefits, the disabled, people over 60-years-old and on benefits, those with children under 16 and people on certain income-related benefits. All need to be on benefits.

John Molyneux, Rossendale Council's Private Sector Renewal Officer, said: "Rossendale is the first area in Britain to be visited by the B Warmer Tour after Eaga agreed to start the initiative here because of it's relationship with the council.

"We are working in partnership with them to tackle fuel poverty which is where householders need to spend 10 per cent or more of their income to keep warm.

"Millions of people are in that position and the links between cold, damp housing and poor health have been recognised for a long time."

National statistics point to an annual 46,000 excess winter deaths associated with fuel poverty.

Suzie Aspinall, B Warmer co-ordinator, added: "The feedback from Rossendale residents has been very positive. We hope to come back to the area next year to contact even more people."

The Warm Front team can be contacted on 0800 3162810.