A COMMUNITY fuel-buying scheme is under way to help save money on heating oil.
The initiative has been set up by Community Action Northumberland (CAN), using the model of local buying groups to combine the purchasing power or rural residents and business in order to get the best price possible for their fuel.
The Oil CAN scheme links with a similar project in County Durham and is one of 20 running nationwide through the Rural Community Action Network.
Figures suggest that a typical saving of between £45 and £120 can be made on a 1,000 litre order.
CAN Director David Francis said: “We have launched Oil CAN because we want to tackle the challenge of rising fuel costs for people in rural areas that have few options other than to use oil as their main source of heating.
“Oil CAN is based on a tried and tested method that now works in 20 rural areas of England.”
The group is seeking volunteers to co-ordinate the programme in their local area, collating members’ orders once a month and letting them know the cost per litre and delivery date for fuel.
Volunteers will not have to negotiate with the oil companies, handle any money or deal with any problems.
For more information, or to sign up as a member or volunteer, call 01670 500812, or e-mail oilcan@ca-north.org.uk