Be prepared for cold snap this weekend

The council’s gritting team are on emergency standby and will grit roads based on detailed weather forecasts 24 hours in advance. Residents can also grit pavements themselves. Tonnes of grit and rock salt have been handed out to Wandsworth residents and there is a network of grit bins across the borough. Find out more at wandsworth.gov.uk/snow.

The council is urging older and vulnerable residents to seek help if they need it, wants to hear from anyone whose friend or neighbour is struggling with the cold.

The Wandsworth and Richmond Assessment point (WRAP) can help with benefits, heating, energy efficiency and more. It offers free home visits to see how they can best help. You could also get free devices to cut your water and energy use.

The council also works with the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability to provide support such as advice and winter warmer packs in the case of a cold snap, and with Age UK to provide a handyperson service. If you need their help, you can request it from WRAP.

Anyone can contact WRAP. Call them on 0800 118 2327 or email enquiries@thinkingworks.co.uk

NHS cold weather advice includes

· Keep yourself warm - heat your home to least 18 degrees C or 65F if you can

· If you start to feel unwell, even if it’s just a cough or a cold, then get help from your pharmacist quickly before it gets more serious

· Always take your prescribed medicines as directed

· Get your free flu jab if you are eligible for one

· Look out for other people who mayneed a bit of extra help over winter.

The council’s health and adult social care spokesman Cllr Paul Ellis said:

“If the weather turns colder, take care of yourself and please look out for friends and neighbours. Our WRAP service is on hand to help if you or anyone you know needs it.”

For more advice, download the council’s Keep Warm, Keep Well leaflet.

Read details on how Wandsworth is preparing for cold weather in this year's Winter Service Plan.