WHILE the latest gadgets may be at the top of children’s wish lists this Christmas, many Carmarthenshire residents would probably put cheaper energy bills at the top of theirs.

This is where Carmarthenshire County Council’s Home Improvement Team may be able to help, with a series of roadshows planned in the run-up to Christmas and in to the New Year to help people save.

They will be visiting towns and communities to give information and advising Christmas shoppers where to get help to improve the efficiency of their homes.

They are also extending an invitation town and community groups who would like them to give a personal presentation to members.

Energy Efficiency Advisor Graham Harries said: “Tackling fuel poverty is our main priority at the moment, especially during the winter season when people face higher heating bills on top of the cost of Christmas.

“We want people to be more aware of the simple things they can do to cut down on their bills, and also the support available to pay their bills or reduce their debt, or to make their homes cheaper to run.

“We’re keen to reach as many people as possible so we’re targeting areas that we know will be busy in the run-up to Christmas and New Year, whilst asking groups to come forward if they’d like us to visit them.”

Executive Board Member for Housing, Cllr Tegwen Devichand, said: “Nobody should suffer in silence – we know that bills are going up and people are finding it hard to make ends meet. We’d like to help in any way we can.”

The team will be in Carmarthen town, outside Boots, on December 20, and in Glangwili Hospital car park on January 24.