PEOPLE are being urged to look out for their neighbours as the Arctic freeze continues and more snow was forecast across the Wellington and Wiveliscombe areas going into Wednesday.

Somerset County Council’s public health team is encouraging people to check on those most at risk from the effects of the cold weather.

Cllr Adam Dance, lead executive member for public health, equalities, and diversity, said: “Staying warm during cold weather is really important.

“Cold weather can have serious consequences for health, and older people and those with heart or lung conditions can be particularly at risk.

“If you are unable to keep your home warm, please do take advantage of the warm welcome spaces that have been set up across Somerset.

“These venues offer a warm and friendly environment where people can socialise, stay warm, and access information and support for their wellbeing.”

Milverton Methodist Chapel has become one the latest warm welcome centres to open locally, inviting people to pop in on Wednesdays when it runs a popular cafe between 10.30 am and 1.30 pm. 

In Wellington, a warm welcome is offered on Mondays between 1 pm and 3 pm by the Foodbank, in the United Reformed Church Hall.

The Well Christian Fellowship Centre, Rockwell Green, is available from 3 pm on a Tuesday.

All Saints’ Church, Rockwell Green, is operating a warm space from 12 noon to 5 pm on a Wednesday.

Thursday sees Wellington Baptist Church open all day from 9.30 am to 7 pm with lunch and an evening meal also available, while the Foodbank is again available from 1 pm to 3 pm, and Friday is covered by St John’s Parish Church from 10 am to 12 noon.

Wiveliscombe has three warm spaces operating, in the town’s community library, Silver Street evangelical centre, and the In The Mix Project.

Other warm refuges can be found via a map on the Spark Somerset website here https://sparksomerset.org.uk/find-warm-welcome.

Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: “The cold conditions will remain in situ during this week.“In many places daytime temperatures will struggle to get above freezing.”

Advice from the county council during the cold weather includes:Look out for friends and family who may be vulnerable to the cold and ensure they have access to warm food and drinks and are managing to heat their homes adequately.

There are grants, benefits and advice to help make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills.

It’s worthwhile claiming all the benefits you are entitled to before winter sets in. Find out more at www.somerset.gov.uk/cost-of-living.

Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long term illness or are 65 or over.

If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and your bedroom just before you go to sleep.

Wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer; this will trap the heat better to keep you warm. Thin layers of clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres are particularly good for maintaining body heat.

If eligible, seek entitlements and benefits such as Winter Fuel Payments and Cold Weather Payments, which are available to some.Keep moving if you can, this will help keep you warm.

Try not to sit for more than an hour, get up and walk around, make a hot drink and and spread housework throughout the day.

Prepare for cold weather. Stock up on tinned and frozen foods, warm clothes and any medication so you don’t have to go out too much when it’s cold or icy.

Check on frail or older neighbours or relatives, especially those living alone or who have serious illnesses to make sure they are safe, warm and well.