A campaign is under way in Ashfield to tackle fuel poverty for vulnerable residents.

It is being led by Citizens Advice Ashfield, in partnership with Ashfield District Council.

They are urging people in Ashfield to make a pledge to offer help to support vulnerable people close to them to stay warm and lower fuel costs at home.

The campaign will involve several events in Ashfield and through social media, with particular focus on the elderly and those most vulnerable to fuel poverty.

Kathryn Stacey, chief executive of Citizens Advice Ashfield, said: “Fuel poverty is caused by low incomes, high energy prices and energy inefficient housing. National Energy Action (NEA) state that cold homes are currently a bigger killer across the UK than road accidents, alcohol or drug abuse.

“We can help address the issues of fuel poverty by encouraging people to stay warm and well whilst reducing their energy bills, maximising income and improving the energy efficiency of their homes.

“In Ashfield we are asking people to pledge to check on an elderly or vulnerable neighbour or family member who may be suffering from fuel poverty this winter.

“We don’t want families choosing between eating or heating or being well this winter.”

Paul Parkinson, director for housing and assets at the council, said “We want residents to stay warm and well this winter and encourage people to come along to one of our events.”

Fuel poverty is traditionally measured by calculating the cost to provide energy to a household against its income. If this is greater than 10% then that household is regarded as ‘In Fuel Poverty’.