Latest figures show that West Dorset is on track to cut its household energy consumption by almost a third. Results released by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) show that West Dorset District Council has the third best performance in the south west region for reducing energy use.

District council leader Robert Gould, said: "The grants are practical energy efficiency, such as loft insulation, to keep your house war, lower your fuel bills and help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by burning less fuel.

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"Grants are still available, contact the council on 01305 251010 to see if they can help."

All homeowners and private tenants are eligible for a grant towards the cost of loft and cavity wall insulation, subject to surveys.

People on certain benefits may be able to get these and other measures, such as draught proofing and improved heating systems, installed free.

The council helped around 600 people apply for grants during 2006-2007.

About £340,000 came from the Government’s Warm Front scheme with the rest drawn from funds provided by the energy utility companies.

(JM)