Stopping Winter Deaths - MP Backs Campaign

1.48.59pm GMT Wed 1st Dec 2004

Around 40 deaths will occur unnecessarily in the Twickenham constituency this winter - 70 in the borough - because elderly or disabled people cannot keep warm. Hundreds of others will face respiratory and circulatory diseases as a result of cold.

Vincent Cable MP is working with a national campaign, Warm Homes Week, to identify local residents who would benefit from home insulations and central heating and who are then helped financially. One of these is Mr & Mrs Hewitt of 57 Warburton Road in Heathfield.

Vincent Cable said: "I have met residents every year who benefit from this scheme and am delighted to be able to promote it. Loft insulation and energy efficiency are not very glamorous subjects but can save lives. This is an area where government, councils, energy companies and charities can all work in a common cause."