Residents unite to cut fuel costs (From South Wales Guardian)
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Residents unite to cut fuel costs
10:00am Sunday 16th September 2012 in News
OILING THE WHEELS: Community engagement officer Maria Evans, environmental works project manager Clare Tinkler, and Vanessa Owens of Credcer Credit Union, pictured with residents and tenants of Bancyddraenen, Capel Hendre
RESIDENTS in Capel Hendre have put their own energy into a community initiative to save on heating costs.
In a concerted effort to drive down their fuel bills, residents and tenants of Bancyddraenen have launched a fuel club so that they canbuy their oil as a group and take advantage of bulk discounts.
A local credit union has also been established so residents can apply for short-term loans to cover the cost of a bulk fuel order.
Community volunteers are running the club and the credit union from the local tenant resource centre.
Resident Sharon Morgan said: “The oil club and credit union is a fantastic opportunity for all residents to have a big discount on their oil. It will make a big difference to a lot of people here.”
Carmarthenshire county council has been encouraging communities to launch such schemes for several months.
Clare Tinkler, environmental works project manager, said: “We are thrilled that another community has launched a fuel club, whichsaves themmoney and cuts down on the numberof deliveries that have to be made to the area.
“We would love to see more launched across the county.”
Fuel club volunteers will be at the tenant resource centre at 2 Bancyddraenen every Tuesday from 10am until noon. The club is open to all tenants and residents in theCapel Hendre area.
If you are interested in setting up a fuel club in your area, contact Maria Evans on 01554 742370.
‘Fuel champions’, who help run the syndicates and co-ordinate deliveries, can benefit from a financial incentive.
