BOLTON'S old folk have been left in the cold while thousands of others across the North West are benefiting from extra Government cash.

As temperatures continue to hover around freezing, Government officers today confirmed there would be no cold weather payments for Bolton.

Payments of £8.50 a week to top up heating bills are made only when the temperature has measured 0 degrees centigrade over a seven day period.

Bolton's average temperature is based of readings taken by meteorologists at Manchester Airport, which many people claim is in an area warmer than Bolton. Age Concern says that despite the special payments disappointment, it is making strenuous efforts to ensure none of the town's old folk suffer in the present cold spell.

If Bolton does eventually qualify for the cold weather subsidy, the payments will be made automatically to those eligible, the charity says.

Only old people on Income Support who receive the pensioner or higher pensioner premium meet the payment criteria.

But people not eligible can still seek advice from Age Concern about other help. Government grants are available in some cases for people to insulate their lofts and fit draught excluders around their doors.

There is also a wide range of advice sheets about how to spread the cost of bills. Post Offices sell gas stamps, and electricity stamps are available through electricity showrooms.

"Both the gas and the electricity companies have an agreement where they will not cut off the supply to homes between the months of October and March," said Eileen O'Rourke, Age Concern's information officer.

If anyone is having problems meeting their bills they should contact Age Concern on Bolton 382411.

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