PENSIONERS are being urged to keep warm and well this winter, as temperatures are expected to plummet this week.

Councillor Dorothy Walsh, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s older people’s champion, said: “I have my reservations about means testing winter fuel payments, but more importantly, I don’t want people to start worrying about turning the heating on. When the cold bites, it’s important to keep warm.

“Rooms need to be heated to a temperature between 18 and 21C. The cold weather can lead to more serious health problems such as hypothermia and pneumonia.”

She also urged neighbours and relatives to check on the elderly and see if they are ok.