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Double fear for elderly as temperatures plummet
FREEZING Fylde pensioners are in danger as plunging temperatures and rising fuel bills take their toll.
The coast continues to be gripped by Britain's longest cold snap in more than 10 years.
And forecasters predict another week of freezing conditions with temperatures set to fall as low as minus three to six degrees.
Pensioners' groups are reporting a large increase in calls from concerned residents while they today urged people to regularly check on vulnerable elderly neighbours.
Pamela Hill, support services senior manager at Age Concern Blackpool, said: "We're experiencing temperatures at the moment in which people could suffer from hypothermia.
"We've had more inquiries than normal for this time of year from people who are worried about their fuel bills.
"Old people will sit in the dark without their heating on, but if they can keep at least one room really warm, they should do that.
"We are asking people to be neighbourly and when we get cold snaps to watch out for those who may be vulnerable.
"Look out for things like curtains being closed and milk left on the doorstep. Be nosey."
Gas and electricity bills have increased by a record 42 per cent in the last year, taking the average annual household bill to 1,300.
This winter more than five million households face fuel poverty, where a tenth or more of income goes on energy bills.
Coun Doreen Holt, who represents the Blackpool Pensioners' Pressure Group, said: "There are a lot of pensioners in Blackpool living on their own and many are very proud, and don't want to tell people when they are struggling.
"But the signs are there – such as lights not being on.
"It has been so bitterly cold some people can't even get to the shops for the food they need.
"A little bit of kindness from a good neighbour could save a life."
Layton pensioner Mary Deakin, 87, has experienced the value of a good neighbour first hand.
She said: "When the weather is like this, I just don't go out because it is hard to get warm again.
"I haven't been out for three days but my neighbours will fetch me anything I need.
"I have had flu recently so have to have my heating on constantly which is expensive to run"
Rita Walsh, 67, also of Layton, added: "The cost of fuel is a very genuine worry for the elderly.
"This is the kind of weather where if they are not able to look after themselves properly, there is a real prospect they might die.
"I rely very heavily on the network of my family, friends and neighbours and luckily we all look after each other but I do worry about those people that have become isolated.
"Many of the elderly have come through the war when the attitude was that people made do, they looked after themselves and wouldn't dream of asking for help.
"I hope people will do their best to keep their eye on elderly residents near them who may not have friends and family."
Pensioner June Shorrocks, from Bispham, added: "I don't remember it being as cold as this for quite a few years.
"I don't think the heating allowance is going to go far enough with how often people are going to have to put their heating on."
Doctors at Blackpool Victoria Hospital said they had already seen an increase in the number of people admitted for complaints related to the cold.
Dave Rigby, Fylde area manager for the North West Ambulance Service, echoed the message.
And he added: "Our advice to people is to wrap up warm, keep your heating on and if you're going outside it's going to be slippy so wear appropriate footwear."
Anyone who needs information about their fuel bills is urged to call The Winter Fuel Payment Helpline on 08459 151515 (0845 601 5613 for textphone users).
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Weather for Blackpool
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 27 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
