WYRE Forest's MP has issued a rallying cry to get the district's residents warm and healthy after more than 300 people saved money on fuel bills thanks to a Government grant.

The Warm Front grants, available since April, 2003, have enabled 337 residents to improve the heating and insulation in their homes

A total of £304,390 has been spent in Wyre Forest helping people keep healthy, save energy and keep their homes warm throughout the year.

Dr Taylor said: "The link between health and warmth has been well established and these grants are a great way of keeping you warm and also keeping you healthy."

He added: "Let's get Wyre Forest healthy and warm before winter comes round again."

Dr Taylor was commenting on the figures after Eaga Partnership, which manages the Government's Home Energy Efficiency Scheme, reported 27 householders in Wyre Forest had benefited from new central heating systems and 63 had had broken boilers repaired. A further 252 households are making savings from insulation.

To qualify for the grant, householders need to own their own home or rent from a private landlord and be receiving benefits related to income or disability.

The Warm Front team can be contacted on 0800 316 6014.

The Sustainable Energy Partnership, a green group made up of environmental, business, trade and social organisations, has praised Dr Taylor, for supporting a Commons Motion on energy efficiency.

Reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and prevention of cold-related winter deaths are among aims of the bid to persuade the Government to set a firm target for energy efficiency.

Lord Whitty, the Government's energy efficiency minister, told Parliament the UK was committed to saving five megatonnes of carbon each year from households by 2010. Now MPs want the target to be backed by statute.

Dr Taylor said: "Saving energy is the best way of cutting fuel bills, reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions and preventing cold-related deaths."