AN ELECTRICITY company has estimated that people in Wiltshire are spending up to £380,000 powering garden gadgets.

Southern Electric says that patio heaters, garden lighting and water features are becoming more and more popular and that households are paying up to £62 a year on powering them.

The most inefficient gadgets are gas-fired heaters which can use up the equivalent energy of 140 lightbulbs burning simultaneously.

Southern Electric's environment manager David Simpson said: "Everyone likes to enjoy their garden over the summer but that can take its toll on our environment.

"Gas and electricity prices have fallen dramatically in real terms over the past few years, so the cost of powering appliances, indoors and out, doesn't concern people so much.

"Unfortunately that can result in energy being wasted and an increased contribution to global warning.

"I'd advise people to look at energy-efficient mowers when they come to replace their old machines and to choose solar-powered lighting and water features.

"As for patio heaters, if people want to keep fuel costs down and help the environment, I would suggest they just don't buy them."

Southern Electric, which serves Swindon, has an energy advice line on 0845 777 6633.