A recent NewburyToday article, by Cameron Blackshaw, following the stepping down of our chairman in May:

https://www.newburytoday.co.uk/news/parish-council-member-steps-down-as-chairman-after-40-years-9257878/

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Volunteers sought to help tackle draughts and poor insulation for vulnerable
residents.

Posted by: Communications teamon 17 June 202213:37

A new group, Draughtbusters, is being created to help tackle draughts and poor insulation in the ​homes of the district's elderly and vulnerable residents.

Although much of the country is enjoying hot weather right now, the colder months and another increase in energy bills will be here before we know it.
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In readiness for this, we're seeking volunteers to help find and fix draughts in homes and to help raise awareness of what residents can do to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

The move will mean residents have warmer and more energy-efficient homes - while also having a positive environmental impact. It will also help to reduce energy bills at a time when home heating costs have rocketed alongside a broader increase in the cost of living.

Speaking about the initiative, Councillor Steve Ardagh-Walter, Executive Member for the Environment, said:

"Fuel bills at the moment are sky high and a concern for many people. This situation will push many people across West Berkshire into fuel poverty and very real hardship. One of the biggest causes of fuel poverty is draughty and poorly insulated homes: these waste lots of householders' money as well as unnecessarily contributing to global warming.

"Fortunately, both draughts and poor insulation can be fixed quite easily. To make this happen locally I'm hoping people will come forward to be a part of this group and make a difference to the lives of others in their community."

The new group is being developed with support from the Volunteer Centre West Berkshire. Once established, the intention is for it to become independent through the establishment of a charity or community organisation to continue the service over the coming years.

If you're interested in energy saving and the environment will you join us? We need both a core team who can set up the organisation, arrange training, publicity and work with other bodies; and also practical people who are willing to give some time to find and fix problems in homes. If you are able to help, please contact steve.ardagh-walter@westberks.gov.uk and indicate whether you would like to be involved in the core group, as an individual problem fixer, or both.