A SURGE in fuel prices has prompted an appeal for residents to watch out for elderly neighbours this winter.
Based on national statistics from Age UK, 1,500 homes across Conwy county could be suffering from fuel poverty as bills increase with around 50 people dying from cold-related illness.
Glan Conwy community councillor Dan Worsley, who is organising a countywide campaign to reverse this trend, said: "The suffering and cost to society is enormous.
“If older people can't keep warm many of them are likely to become seriously and sometimes fatally ill. The rest of society should not stand by while this continues.
"Don't let this happen to the elderly in your neighbourhood. Please visit anyone you feel could be vulnerable at the earliest opportunity to check that they are managing to keep warm. Many suffer in silence until it's too late."
Cllr Worsley's campaign has already seen support from fellow councillors across the county as well as Assembly member Janet Finch Saunders and local residents.
"There are volunteers in most parts of the county who are willing to help those affected," he said. "We can check you are getting the best possible deal on your energy.
“Also most energy suppliers have special lower energy prices for people in fuel poverty and Warm Front grants amounting to £120. We can make sure you are claiming everything to which you are entitled.”