RESIDENTS in Bolton are being urged to help the environment - and slash their fuel bills by up to a third.

Bolton Council has joined with 12 other local authorities in the North-west to back the Millenergy scheme.

The scheme aims to help 600,000 home owners cut up to £200 off their annual bills.

Regional household expenditure on fuel bills is well above the national average at about £687 per year.

Suggested ways to reduce fuel bills include cavity wall and loft insulation, draught proofing, hot water cylinder jackets, reflective radiator panels and energy saving light bulbs.

In a major drive to generate interest, the Millenergy scheme is offering free consultations and advice about energy efficient methods.

And, with the support of three experienced installation companies, the scheme is able to carry out the work at 25pc less than normal industry prices.

One of Millenergy's aims is to improve energy efficiency by 30pc by the year 2010.

Millenergy spokesman John Cottam of the lead authority, Fylde Borough Council, said: "Currently 75pc of all homes in the UK would be classified as either poor or very poor on an energy efficiency scale.

"Much work remains to be done in order to convince the average owner occupier that comprehensive insulation will deliver both financial and environmental benefits well into the next Millennium."

Anyone interested in a free energy survey can call Millenergy on 0800 616115.

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