Stay Safe in the Freezing Weather

It's seems like no time at all since I was writing here about the problems facing residents in some parts of the Borough due to torrential rain and flooding. Now here we are with plunging temperatures and icy roads, bringing its own range of hazards and dangers.

With such cold weather forecast to be with us for at least the next few days, do keep in contact with elderly or vulnerable friends and neighbours. The Council is offering 'Warm Home Packs,' which are available on a limited basis to residents over 60 years old and those who are vulnerable to the cold. They include a blanket, hot water bottle and cover, room thermometer card, soup sachets and leaflets on how to keep warm and save money on energy bills. We are also offering offer free warm home energy audits to households struggling with high energy costs and keeping warm at home. Call the Council on 01234 267422 for more information.

A key role for the Council when this weather strikes is to do everything it can to help all road users and pedestrians to stay safe when out and about. The gritting crews have been out this week, with double runs yesterday with snow falling and more forecast. Once again, we are well stocked with grit and have done everything we can to ensure we don't run out. You can watch the gritters carrying out their runs in real time via a live map on the Council's website here: http://apps.bedford.gov.uk/winterupdates/ . You can also keep up with information about gritting runs and other winter weather news via the Council's 'Gritter Twitter' account which can be found at www.twitter.com/grittertweets

Also on the Council's website is the school closures page, which is updated by schools themselves and has the very latest information on whether any schools are closed due to the conditions. You can see the page here: http://apps.bedford.gov.uk/schoolclosures/