RESIDENTS at risk of poor health from living in cold have been offered funds to help them fight ‘fuel poverty’ and stay warm this winter.

Grants will be made available for a raft of cold-busting measures, including new boilers, boiler servicing and repairs, radiators or radiator reflectors, draught proofing and glazing improvements, such as new windows.

The funds will be available for households with ‘vulnerable’ residents, such as the over-65s, under-fives and pregnant women, or with cardiovascular or respiratory problems, a disability or mental health condition, in receipt of a means-tested benefit and living in a damp, draughty or fuel-inefficient home.

Bridget Hilton, chairman of Ribble Valley Council’s health and housing committee, said: “Ribble Valley has a high level of off-grid properties and some residents struggle to keep their homes warm during winter.

“The council has worked hard to address this problem over the years and we are delighted that this Affordable Warmth Fund will offer much-needed help to vulnerable residents at risk of poor health due to cold or damp living conditions.”