West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin today welcomed an initiative by Wychavon District Council to offer a bulk-buying scheme to help people beat winter fuel price hikes. The MP urged local parish councils to get involved to prevent rural communities repeating the problems of sudden oil price increases applied during last year’s cold snap. Wychavon District Council is holding a series of meetings with local residents and parish representatives to secure a large number of people who can then allow the council to bulk-buy heating oil and liquid petroleum gas. The third meeting will take place at Pershore Civic Centre next week (Weds September 28). Harriett commented: “Last winter, we experienced some of the coldest nights on record and many people were affected by terrible weather conditions. “During the heavy snow fall, there was a shortage of heating oil and some disreputable suppliers hiked their prices as demand increased. “It is important that people try to buy their oil now, while prices are lower, rather than wait until later in the year. “This is why I applaud Wychavon’s initiative which is open to people across the county. “I would urge people who depend on heating oil and LPG for domestic use to enquire to see if they can get a better price through this scheme.”