HELP is at hand for elderly Ribble Valley residents struggling to stay warm this winter.

Ribble Valley Borough Council has joined forces with the Little Green Bus, Age UK Lancashire and Help Direct to help senior citizens stay snug over the coming months.

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Residents concerned about staying warm are asked to make the council their first port of call.

As well as dispensing advice and information, the council can assist with boiler repairs and replacements, loft and cavity wall insulation, energy grants, electric heaters and blankets.

Age UK Lancashire can provide a welfare benefit check and Winter Wrapped booklet, which is full of useful tips for staying warm.

There are also a variety of groups and activities in Ribble Valley run by Age UK for residents aged 50 or over, to help them remain physically active and combat loneliness.

Help Direct is a telephone, e-mail and drop-in information service giving residents the support they need to prevent a problem becoming a crisis.

The Little Green Bus offers Ribble Valley residents who are unable to access public transport a door-to-door transport service to places such as the supermarket or GP surgery, as well as weekly day trips, for example to Deepdale Retail Park, Southport, Bury Market, Fleetwood and Boundary Mill.

Ribble Valley Borough Council’s partnership office Dylis Day said: “Winter can be a tough time for the elderly. Many struggle to keep their home warm enough to combat the cold weather and pay heating bills.

“We are working with our partners to ensure the borough’s elderly residents receive the help and support they need to stay warm and combat loneliness and isolation during the cold, dark months.”

83-year-old Whalley councillor Joyce Holgate said: “I think it’s very important to provide this help for people.

“Sometimes I think people don’t realise how cold it is, and don’t know about the dangers of getting colder.

“I would urge people to get in touch with the council if they’re worried. There’s a lot of help available from the council.

“They can help with all sorts of things like boiler repairs and warmth packs, certainly if they can’t afford them.

“There are a lot of older people in Whalley and I would encourage them to ask for help if they need it.”

Further details are available on staying warm and healthy in winter by calling 01200 425111.