AGE UK in Barrow has been fitting equipment and giving advice to older people in the town so that they can battle plummeting temperatures.

This comes following a recent survey of 2,000 people aged 65 or over, which found that as many as three in five elderly people would ration their heating this year to save on energy bills.

Lorna Rayson, a handyperson for Age UK, has been to over 100 homes in Barrow since the start of the project to fit free equipment to help older people reduce risks of being exposed to the cold.

She said: "What we've been doing is giving out kits to help people save money on their energy bills.

"This has included things like radiator covers, to avoid heating escaping through walls, fitting alarms to notify people if their living room temperature is too low and fitting energy-saving light bulbs.

"Keeping people warm keeps them healthy and it is key to help them save money too."

The issue of cutting food to save on energy bills is also known as 'fuel poverty'. 

Barrow is one place where fuel poverty has increased in Cumbria, and was in the worst 10 per cent nationally for the issue, according to figures.

Marie Connor, Information and Advice Supervisor for Age UK Barrow, said: "Our service to keep houses warm is free of charge, and we are working hard to tackle fuel poverty in Barrow."

A couple of quick tips from the Age UK to help stay out of the cold and save on your bills include:

  • Keeping your living room heated to between 18 and 21 degrees celsius
  • Making sure doors are kept shut when you leave a room
  • Fully turn off all dripping taps and filling half a kettle when boiling water

Anyone interested in the Age UK service to keep houses warm should call 01229 831 425.