A heating oil co-operative, based in Witheridge is offering its members a cheaper option for heating their homes this winter.

Witheridge Oil Purchase Energy Co-operative (WOPEC) was set up by Fred Hanbury three years ago with about half a dozen members in Witheridge, but the scheme became so popular that he now has more than 500 members throughout Mid-Devon and N W Somerset.

With the current cost of heating oil so high, many consumers can only afford to order the bare minimum of 500 litres costing in the region of £300. It costs more "pence per litre" for 500 to 900 litres than for 900 litres plus.

Although most oil companies charge more per litre for smaller amounts using the co-operative means that members can order smaller amounts throughout the year, pay the lower cost per litre and qualify for the additional WOPEC discount price. All discount is passed on to the customer who will pay the bill directly to the oil company.

Fred orders tens of thousands of litres at a time on behalf of his members.

He places orders up to six times a year and emails members to remind them that, if they need oil, he is about to place an order.

Once he knows how much he will need to order he rings the oil companies to find the most competitive price.

After the order has been delivered he emails each member, regardless of whether or not they ordered that time, to let them know which oil company was used, the price and the delivery date.

WOPEC offers new members the opportunity of free membership for the first six months during which time they can place as many orders as they require and try out the scheme, before they commit to a full year's membership costing £15.

An application form can be obtained by e-mailing [email protected]">[email protected] or for more information telephone Fred Hanbury on 01884 861186.

Nora Parminter