Pensioners at risk in freezing weather

8:00pm Tuesday 6th January 2009

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NEIGHBOURS are asked to keep an eye on pensioners whose lives could be in danger, as freezing conditions continue.

Temperatures were expected to plunge to minus five degrees last night and the cold spell is expected to last until the weekend.

Charity Age Concern has been inundated with queries in recent days. It urges younger residents to check on elderly neighbours who may be feeling the cold or be unable to go and buy food.

Jo Osorio, Age Concern Swindon director, said: “With predictions of more snow and freezing temperatures this week we are urging vulnerable older people, who are more susceptible to the cold, to take extra precautions to stay warm and keep active. It is important that people keep a neighbourly eye out for older neighbours.

“There will be people in some real difficulties. If pavements are slippy, people will be reluctant to go out.”

The charity asks pensioners to get in touch if they are too cold, as it has heaters available to borrow. This morning will see temperatures at minus one degrees, which will rise to two degrees at most during the day.

Met Office spokeswoman Sarah Holland said the cold weather would continue until at least the weekend.

She said: “There will still be frost around but snow is unlikely.”

Swindon Council warned drivers to be careful even on gritted roads. A spokesman said: “Motorists should be extra careful, as there could still be icy patches. And obviously pedestrians should be cautious on pavements.”

The Great Western Hospital has warned elderly or frail people to stay indoors during the cold spell rather than risk slipping on ice.

Teri Stevans, spokeswoman for Great Western Hospital, said: “Perhaps a neighbour could help out by getting shopping for older people rather than them risk falling and hurting themselves by leaving their homes. It would be good to make sure they are warm enough and have plenty food and drink.”

The National Pensioners’ Convention has warned that 12 pensioners could die every hour during the latest drop in temperatures.

To borrow a heater, call Age Concern on 01793 692166.