JUST one final last push – that is all that is needed now to wipe out fuel poverty in Petersfield and the surrounding area this winter.

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

The target was to raise £5,000 – the same figure raised in last winter’s campaign and that money was distrubuted by the Petersfield Citizens Advice Bureau to help 30 families in need.

This year’s fundraising has now reached the total of £4,300 – just £700 short of the project’s target.

If the target amount is raised not only will fuel poverty be wiped out in Petersfield for the second winter in a row, but funds would also be made available to help peole living in the Liss and Liphook areas.

Post Series editor Graeme Moir said: “We have almost reached our target but we need one last, final push to find the £700 to be able to say we have hit target again.

“This is a very worthwhile project as it helps people in our community who would otherwise struggle to heat their homes this winter.

“It also gives a chance to those people who receive a winter fuel payment from the Government to hand the money on to those in need if they don’t need the payment themselves.

“All we need now is another few donations and we will be able to say we have done it again and raised £10,000 in just two winters – and that would be a fantastic achievement for everybody involved in the project.”

People over the age of 63 receive the Winter Fuel Payment every year directly from the Government but it is not means tested, so 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.