Power problems drop-in session

A DROP-in surgery for elderly and vulnerable Budleigh Salterton residents is being held next Friday by Western Power Distribution.The South West's electricity distributor is hosting an information and advice afternoon in the Public Hall, Station Road, providing a "One-Stop Shop" for residents with problems. They have invited a range of agencies, who are all concerned with the welfare of vulnerable residents, including the Department of Work and Pensions, EAGA - deliverer of the Government's fuel poverty programmes, East Devon District Council, Budleigh Salterton Police, South West Pound and Western Power.David Jones, the priority customer consultant of Western Power Distribution, said they had always been active in the community, providing a range of services for vulnerable customers in emergencies: "These include advance notice of power interruptions to working with the Women's Royal Voluntary Service to provide hot food and drinks and reassurance in case of a prolonged power outage."WPD's Carolyn Hinchey added: "There is a lot of help available for people with problems, and the tragedy is that so little is known of what is out there. "We can help special customers - but only if we know who they are. "We hope that anyone who is a vulnerable consumer - that is, anyone of pensionable age, living with a disability or with long-term ill health - will come and register with us so we can help them if there are any problems with power supplies."Budleigh Salterton town councillor Alan Jones said: "I hope that every vulnerable resident in Budleigh will come along to see just what help they can get. "I was surprised when I talked to Western Power to find out how much help - from grants, to emergency help, to social tariffs - is available to people. We can't afford to miss out!" The drop-in is being held on Friday, February 27, between 1pm and 4pm at the Public Hall, Station Road.