A NEW company aimed at helping local people reduce their energy bills has been launched in Chipping Sodbury.

Sodbury Fuels will operate much like a community oil buying scheme by ordering in bulk at much cheaper prices than are available to individuals.

The firm, based on Hatters Lane, is also offering a monthly plan to residents to help budget their energy and heating costs.

“People are up against it at the moment,” said company director Andy Welch. “We aim to help the local community and reduce their costs.”

Mr Welch, who has 18 years experience in the oil industry, said he had had enough of working for large conglomerates with few morals and wanted to bring fuel to customers in Chipping Sodbury before prices are inflated by commercial companies.

“We are family run and pride ourselves on customer service,” he said. “I want to work with residents, local farms and existing community oil schemes and groups.

“We have been operating for three weeks now and the response has been fantastic.”

Sodbury Fuels is also offering a sonic security device which detects when fuel is being stolen.

For further information call 01454 315050.