WEST Devon and Torridge suffers the worst fuel poverty in Devon and Cornwall, according to figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats.

Recent fuel poverty figures from the Government indicate that 10,600 households, almost a quarter of all households in West Devon and Torridge, suffered fuel poverty in 20006.

Adam Symons, the Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate, said: 'I am shocked at the numbers, but not surprised. There is a clear problem which the Government is failing to deal with. Time and time again, we have raised this issue, yet Government have failed to take action.

'We need a programme of "warm homes" investment to make sure that houses are properly insulated and that residents are not paying more for heating there homes than they need to. It makes financial and environmental sense to invest in decent heating and insulation, and in the long run it will be good for the economy, jobs and the environment.

'That nearly a quarter of homes in West Devon and Torridge are in fuel poverty is a shocking indictment of the lack of investment in housing. Literally billions of pounds are needlessly being sent up in smoke.'

The figures were released following the tabling of a parliamentary question to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change by North Devon MP Nick Harvey.