Council warms to Glenravel oil buying scheme

The Glenravel Oil Club, which was launched last month and is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland and has been created in association with Glenravel and District Community and Residents association and supported by Ballymena Borough Council.

It allows members to enjoy discounts when buying their home eating oil. This works thanks to the club buying the oil in bulk and combining orders from members of the club, this means they are able to negotiate cheaper prices from oil suppliers.

Speaking at last Monday night’s meeting of Ballymena Council, Chief Executive Anne Donaghy said: “An oil pilot scheme was launched in Glenravel, it is very early days but seems to be very popular.

“One example of the one of the things that are happening in the Mid-Antrim area. Several councils are working together to address fuel poverty, must give great credit to the officers.”

Local MLA Paul Frew hailed the Glenravel Oil Club idea, he said: “This an absolutely fantastic idea and something that is badly needed.

“It is very simple when you think about it, that’s why it should work. With more and more people getting into fuel poverty it is important that the council takes a lead on this.

“If it takes off we can always say it started in Glenravel.”