SHIVERING Hyndburn pensioners could be in line for a winter bonus if council plans get the go- ahead.

Councillors are looking into the viability of creating a grant aid scheme in the borough that would allow elderly residents to apply for cash to help with energy efficiency projects in their home.

Hyndburn Borough Council leader Peter Britcliffe said he wanted to do something for the people who "have enough money to get by but not enough to carry out any improvements in their homes".

Coun Britcliffe said the idea was not to provide residents with money to help pay their bills but the chance to make their homes more energy efficient with schemes such as double glazing and improved insulation.

He said: "We are still in the early stages of planning this but we thought that there must be some way the council can help elderly Hyndburn residents who are struggling with their heating bills. We want to make sure people, very often on a fixed income, keep nice and warm during the winter period in their homes.

We are in a consultation period at the moment before deciding next year's budget and we want to know what people think of this.

"We need to help elderly people keep their bills down."

The Government runs a grant scheme called the Warm Front System to help people pay energy bills. But that is only available to a limited number of people receiving benefits.

Coun Britcliffe added: "There are a huge number of elderly people in Hyndburn who are on a fixed income who are suffering every time the energy companies put their prices up.

"Many of these people are not entitled to benefits. They can just about get by paying their bills but find it very difficult to pay for these expensive jobs to improve their energy efficiency.

"We are going to discuss the matter with Age Concern to find out their suggestions and we want to know what people in the borough think.

"This could be very good news to those elderly and vulnerable people in the area."

A spokesman for Age Concern said that they would encourage any scheme that could help keep people warm during cold spells.

The charity provides advice on remaining healthy during cold weather, energy efficiency, health tips, grants and welfare benefits that are available. Their Winter Warmth Advice Line is 0800 085 7000.