Success for Shropshire bulk fuel buying scheme
A recent scheme to reduce the cost of buying fuel in rural areas, by buying in bulk, has been hailed a success in the county.
Organised by the Community Council of Shropshire, the Fuel Buying Scheme has been set up to enable individuals, communities, schools and businesses to get together and take advantage of bulk buying to save money.
Project development officer Lizzy Thain commented: “In just a few months since being set up, the scheme has gone from strength to strength and now has over 300 members, many of which have made savings of over £50 in just a short period of time.
“Since the launch in September, the total savings in fuel costs throughout the county are in excess of £10,000.
“We are also pleased that journeys by delivery lorries are cut down as we can arrange for tankers to deliver to several customers in a small area at the same time, thus reducing the carbon footprint.
“There is currently a band of 33 enthusiastic local volunteer co-ordinators who look after their own hamlet or villages, to ensure that everybody is kept in touch.”
The Community Council has recently received a grant to help broaden the work of the county-wide oil buying scheme, with a view to helping more people in a vulnerable or at-risk category.
This Warm Homes Healthy People funding will only be available for a limited period of time and is aimed at helping people aged over 75, disabled, having learning difficulties or dementia, or being in other qualifying situations.
For further information on the scheme or to become a local co-ordinator contact Lizzy Thain on 01743 342167 or by email oil@shropshire-rcc.org.uk.
