Draughtbusters needed! West Berkshire Council and Volunteer Centre West Berkshire on the hunt for environmental helpers

A new group, Draughtbusters, is being created to help tackle draughts and poor insulation in the homes of the district's elderly and vulnerable residents.

Although we are currently basking in summer sunshine West Berkshire Council is already planning for the colder months – and a further hike in energy bills this autumn.

They are looking for volunteers to help find and fix draughts in homes and to help raise awareness of what residents can do to improve their energy efficiency.

The move will mean residents have warmer and more energy-efficient homes - while also having a positive environmental impact.

The council said it also hoped it will help to reduce energy bills at a time when home heating costs have rocketed, alongside a broader increase in the cost of living.

Steve Ardagh-Walter (Con, Thatcham Colthrop and Crookham), executive member for the environment, said: "Fuel bills at the moment are sky high and a concern for many people. This situation will push many people across West Berkshire into fuel poverty and very real hardship.

“One of the biggest causes of fuel poverty is draughty and poorly insulated homes: these waste lots of householders' money as well as unnecessarily contributing to global warming.

"Fortunately, both draughts and poor insulation can be fixed quite easily. To make this happen locally I'm hoping people will come forward to be a part of this group and make a difference to the lives of others in their community."

The new group is being developed with support from Volunteer Centre West Berkshire.

If you are able to help, please contact steve.ardagh-walter@westberks.gov.uk