RESIDENTS who don’t need their winter fuel allowance are being invited to use it to help people who can’t afford to keep warm.

The plea comes from Knutsford and District Lions, which since November 2015 has been running Project Wenceslas with the aim of reducing, and in time eliminating, fuel debt in Knutsford and surrounding areas.

The project links the Lions with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB), and since its launch much help has been provided to local families struggling to have hot meals and keep warm during the winter months.

Lion vice-president Peter Willgoose said: “Senior citizens are entitled to a winter fuel allowance irrespective of their needs, with payments being made to them usually in November/December.

“Those who feel they do not need all of their allowance might like to consider making a donation to Knutsford Lions - Project Wenceslas, so that help can then be given to families/individuals of all ages trapped in fuel poverty.

“Donations are also encouraged by anyone else wishing to help with the scheme. All such donations are ring-fenced for Project Wenceslas.

“Needy families are identified by the CAB who then ask for funding from the scheme so that they can pay monies direct to the fuel utility accounts of the affected households. The system ensures that all the monies distributed are used for the purpose for which they are intended.”

Donations can be made through the Lions Just Giving Account via the Lions website – knutsfordlions.org.uk.

Alternatively please send a cheque payable to Knutsford Lions Charity Account (marked Project Wenceslas on the back) to Knutsford and District Lions, c/o Peter Willgoose, Chestnut Cottage, Tabley Road, Knutsford, WA16 0NE.

If the cheque is from a tax payer Gift Aid can be claimed which increases the donation by 25 per cent. A Gift Aid form will be supplied on request. For further information please telephone Peter Willgoose on 01565 631255.