A SURVEY has highlighted wide concerns held by the over 50s about the cost of their fuel bills as the Post-backed campaign to wipe out fuel poverty continues to go from strength to strength.

Half of those asked for the survey confessed they had concerns about the cost of heating their homes this winter, while one in five said they would struggle to pay their energy bills this winter.

A?shocking one in ten said they would go to bed earlier and get up later than normal just so they didn’t have to turn on the heating.

The survey, conducted by Saga, comes as the campaign to Wipe Out Fuel Poverty in Petersfield and the surrounding area reached the £1,200 mark – well on the way to hitting the £5,000 target.

The Saga survey also showed that three in five over-50s will only put the heating on at certain times of the day to economise.

Almost a third said they would not heat all of the rooms in their home, while one in eight of those asked said parts of their property would become no go zones when the really cold weather sets in during the winter.

Saga spokeswoman Lisa Harris said:?“Keeping warm in winter is not a luxury, it’s essential for many to keep fit and well over the winter months. People shouldn’t be afraid of putting the heating on, but one in ten also said that they would only put their heating on as a last resort.”

The Fuel Poverty campaign for Petersfield, supported by the Post and the Lions Club of Petersfield, provides financial assistance for people of all ages.

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 winter fuel payment every year from the Government but it is not means tested – 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.

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.