Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Stay warm and save money at the same time.

Wiltshire residents are being encouraged to take advantage of a scheme which could keep their homes warmer and make savings on their energy bills.

Starting on January 10 trained energy canvassers will be calling at properties to see if people are interested in the Wiltshire Warm and Well Scheme. If residents are interested then a no obligation survey can be booked for a later date to establish what work could possibly be carried out.

The Wiltshire Warm and Well Scheme is funded by Wiltshire Council and managed by the Severn Wye Energy Agency.

Based on figures produced by the Energy Saving Trust, having both loft and cavity wall insulation installed can save the typical family in a three bed semi £255 a year on fuel bills.

Poor insulation, draughty windows and doors and unreliable boilers can make homes uncomfortable and contribute to condensation problems. A well insulated home is also cheaper to heat.

If people fall into any of the following categories they may be entitled to free loft or cavity wall insulation:

* Householders over 60 years old.

* Households with a total income of less than £16,000 per year gross.

* Families with children under 16 with an income below £22,000 per year gross.

* Households with an income below £30,000 per year gross when a member has been made redundant, lost overtime, or taken lower paid work.

Even if people do not fall into those categories they are entitled to at least a partial grant, making insulation much more affordable. In all cases eligibility is subject to survey.

Canvassers will not enter any properties, will not visit ‘no cold calling zones’ or approach houses that display stickers stating they do not wish to speak to cold callers or traders. Each person will have formal identification to make themselves known. People should ask to see the caller's identity card and check it thoroughly. If they feel unsure they should ask the caller to wait on the doorstep while they phone the company to check. People should close the door whilst they go and phone to check. Anyone who is genuine will not mind people doing this. People shouldn’t phone the number on the person's ID card as it might be fake, always look up the number in the phone book. People also shouldn’t feel obligated to agree to anything and can arrange with the caller for a survey to be carried out if they wish.

Representatives from Domestic and General Insulation Ltd, who carry out the insulation work, will visit households in Salisbury, Chippenham and Trowbridge on January 10, 12, 17, 19, 24 and 26.

For free, impartial advice about this and other energy saving grants and offers people can call the Energy Saving Trust advice service on 0800 512 012.