A NEW scheme to help rural communities in south Shropshire buy fuel more economically has been launched.

The Community Council of Shropshire, which provides support and advice to individuals, organisations and communities, has appointed a new team member to lead the project.

Lizzy Thain, aged 29, will be responsible for launching the fuel buying syndicate to assist rural communities obtain heating fuels at competitive prices.

The scheme is aimed at domestic users, as well as village halls and small rural businesses, and follows on from the success of a similar project being run in Oxfordshire.

“I am delighted to be joining the Community Council and to be working on this exciting and very worthwhile project,” said Lizzy.

“I am looking forward to helping people in the south of the county save a great deal on their heating costs this winter and with the rising costs of fuel, I would urge them to join the scheme as soon as possible and to start to benefit from the savings.

“By purchasing fuel on a large scale, we are able to be very competitive on price and also reduce the amount of individual journeys taken by tankers along the rural lanes, as deliveries are made in batches, thereby reducing the impact on the environment.”

Further information can be obtained by calling Lizzy at the Community Council on 01743 242167.