A community group in Ross-on-Wye is offering energy saving and bill reduction sessions to the local community after receiving a grant. 

The Ross-on-Wye Community Development Trust was awarded the £6,700 grant by National Grid Electricity Distribution to tackle fuel poverty.

This grant came from the National Grid’s £5 million Community Matters Fund which is supporting 700 local groups across the Midlands, South West and South Wales to fight fuel poverty this winter. 

The warm Ross project is designed to help people in the community who are struggling with their energy bills this winter. From meter top ups to practical advice and specialist signposting, the sessions will ensure that residents can access the help they need to stay warm over the festive period and beyond. 

Chair of the Trustees at the Ross-on-Wye Community Development Trust, Jane Roberts, said: “We are excited to receive this grant because it will enable us to offer more effective help to people in Ross who are struggling to stay warm. 

“Last winter, Warm Ross gave away more than £4,000 in meter top ups to households at risk of cold but were unable to help them further. 

“Thanks to this grant from National Grid Energy Distribution, our dedicated Warm Ross worker will be able to offer simple advice on insulation, tariffs and money management, as well as signposting to more specialist sources of help.”

Director of Corporate Affairs at National Grid, Chris Hayton, said: “Unfortunately, we know that many people will struggle to keep their homes warm this winter. 

“At a time when addressing fuel poverty has never been more critical, our Community Matters Fund will support local groups to deliver help where it’s most needed. 

“We’re looking forward to working with community groups like the Ross-on-Wye Community Development Trust to create a positive change and to seeing the results of their hard work.”