THE CAMPAIGN to wipe out fuel poverty is just two weeks old and already we are almost ten per cent of the way towards the target.

Around £400 has already been donated to the campaign supported by the Post and the Lions Club of Petersfield which aims to raise a minimum of £5,000.

Last year’s campaign to help struggling householders around Petersfield who were having difficulties paying their fuel bills raised more than £5,000 – enough to completely wipe out fuel poverty in the town.

The campaign is being run again this winter to raise a similar amount of money – with households in Petersfield set to benefit again, and with the campaign opened up to include Liss and Liphook this time.

A?total of 30 families were given 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 payment every year from the Government but it is not means tested – ensioners 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.

To donate to the appeal simply fill in the coupon at the bottom of this page and follow the instructions.

Statistics show that the fuel poverty problem affects more than ten per cent of all households in England. In 2013, the number of households in fuel poverty in England was estimated at 2.35 million.

Even in areas such as Petersfield and East Hampshire, which outwardly look like a well-off area, there will still be households which face the tough decision of not being able to afford to heat their homes properly.

Petersfield Lions Club secretary Trevor Copping said: “We have been extremely suprised that this form of financial help is needed in the Petersfield area. We weren’t aware of the disparity in fortunes between people across the town.”