Hundreds back MP's energy campaign

The campaign was launched by Wentworth & Dearne MP John Healey in early November, and supporters have signed up during street stalls in Goldthorpe and Wickersley.

People were also given advice on keeping energy bills down and some received “warm packs” containing a hot water bottle, socks, blanket, gloves, a thermometer, soups and porridge.

The petition calls on David Cameron to freeze energy bills immediately. Under the Coalition gas and electricity bills have gone up £300.

Mexborough MP and Labour leader Ed Miliband has pledged to freeze gas and electricity bills until 2017, while sorting out the energy market. It would save a typical family £120 a year.

People can also sign the petition online at www.labour.org.uk/freeze-that-bill.

Mr Healey says a two-year price freeze would free up £3,600 for the average business. Nationally, companies say gas and electricity bills are their second largest overhead.

The MP said: “Freezing gas and electricity bills is one of the fastest ways we can support the local economy and help people struggling with the rising cost of living.

“Year after year, we're seeing inflation-busting price hikes and the Government need to get a grip of the problem.

“David Cameron could bring in an energy bill freeze immediately, and people in Rotherham are sending a strong message that he should.”