‘Oil clubs’ to be set up in area

It’s hoped that a similar type clubs will be set up in the Coleraine borough to support residents to spread the cost of oil, particularly over the winter months when times are difficult.

Coleraine Borough Council is a member of the Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid and East Antrim Cluster, which have been considering the impact fuel poverty has on local communities.

The cluster has talked to people locally, hearing that many are largely dependent on oil to heat their homes and struggle to afford to fill their tank, often paying over the odds to buy small amounts at a disproportionately high cost.

Through funding provided by the Public Health Agency and assistance from Ballymena Borough Council, Glenravel Oil Club started in October 2012.

The club was originally set up for residents in the Glenravel areato help purchasers of central heating oil to combine their orders and make savings by buying in bulk.

To date 170 members have joined the club and made savings on their home heating deliveries.

Thirteen deliveries have been made and members have made savings of up to £36 per delivery.

Due to the success of this scheme and through significant funding from the Public Health Agency, grants have been awarded to nine further oil buying clubs within Coleraine Borough Council area and in Ballymena, Ballymoney and Limavady.

These clubs are: North West Tongues, Tones and Tappin; Vineyard Compassion; Benedy Community Association Ltd; Rasharkin Community Association; Benbraghagh Community Support; Glenullin & Agivey Conservation & Development Group; The Glens Community Association; Cloughmills Community Action Team; and Kells & Connor Community Improvement Association.

Both Vineyard Compassion along with Glenullin & Agivey Conservation & Development Group are in the preliminary stages of the oil bulk buying scheme. Glenullin Club is the first of its kind in Coleraine Borough Council to place an order under the scheme, with Vineyard Compassion Club set to commence very shortly.

Both clubs have been inundated with queries about membership and have successfully laid the foundations for a very beneficial project for their local communities.

For further information about the oil buying scheme, the new oil clubs or Glenravel Oil Club please contact Coleraine Borough Council on 028 7034 7171.