ONE LAST push is needed to wipe out fuel poverty in Petersfield and the surrounding area this winter.

The Petersfield Post has backed a campaign launched in November by the Lions Club of Petersfield to ensure everyone in the town can afford to heat their homes properly during colder weather.

A target of £5,000 was set at the launch of the project – the same figure which was raised the previous winter which allowed Petersfield’s Citizens Advice Bureau to give financial help to 30 families in need.

The campaign is well on the way to hitting its target this winter – a total of £3,650 has now been donated to the fund by the public.

However, a final push is now needed to get the £1,350 required to hit the campaign’s target for this winter.

Post editor Graeme Moir said: “Readers have shown their support once again for people in need of help in our communities.

“The amount raised so far is fantastic – we just need a few more people to donate their Winter Fuel Payments to the campaign and we will once again hit our target.

“It may have been a mild winter so far but there will still be people who need some financial help so they can ensure their homes are warm this winter.”

This year’s campaign will not only benefit households in Petersfield again, but it has also been opened up to include Liss and Liphook residents this time.

A?total of 30 families wasgiven financial help thanks to last year’s campaign, meaning they were able to keep their heating turned on during the cold winter months.

People over the age of 63 receive the Winter Fuel Payment every year directly from the Government but it is not means tested, meaning pensioners will receive it, regardless of whether they are in financial need.

Our campaign allows money to be donated directly to those people in the community who need the funds to keep their heating on.

This is done using a list compiled by the Petersfield Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) of those needing assistance with their energy bills.

People on the list have gone through a rigorous checking process by the CAB to assess their need.

How much you donate is up to you – you can give the full winter fuel payment you have received or part of it or a larger amount if you wish.