Ref. 27997-34MORE than 6,000 elderly people in Swindon could be living in warmer homes and following the lead of Grace Walker.

That is the view of South Swindon MP Julia Drown who has thrown her weight behind a campaign to cut the number of winter deaths.

Widowed Mrs Walker, 85, who has lived in her Salisbury Street home for 62 years, says she has never felt more comfortable after electricians came round to her home to replace her gas boiler, loft insulation and fit energy-saving lightbulbs, which will save hundreds of pounds and keep her warm throughout the winter months.

Recent research has shown that the cold causes a staggering 125 deaths each year in Swindon, but there are still thousands of people who could be taking advantage of energy-efficient grants to heat their homes.

Mrs Walker said: "I only found out about this through my daughter-in-law, but now my house is cosy and much warmer than ever before. When you get to my age you tend to feel the cold more, but these improvements have made a big difference. I didn't even know this scheme existed, but I'm glad I went for it."

All homeowners and those renting from a private landlord and in receipt of pension credit or any income or disability allowance are eligible for a Warm Front grant of up to £2,500.

Ms Drown said: "Around 6,000 people are still eligible for this and Grace has shown that family members can ensure everyone in Swindon who is entitled to, claims.

"Fuel poverty in Swindon should be a thing of the past, yet some of our friends, family and neighbours spend every winter struggling to heat their homes or worrying about high fuel bills.

"Energy efficient measures can mean the difference between a cold, damp home and one that is cosy and affordable to heat. The deaths are mostly of our elderly people's parents and grandparents and are preventable. These government-backed schemes aim to do just that."

The annual campaign to heat homes is being run by National Energy Action, the energy-efficient charity and ends on December 8.

For more information about Warm Front grants call 0800 3166012.

Giles Sheldrick