SEVERE weather conditions have prompted communities to pull together to help grit the pavements and look out for vulnerable neighbours.

With a second bout of snowfall since December and predictions of more freezing temperatures and snowfall to come, neighbours have been displaying their community spirit and are encouraging others to do so.

Concerned members of Walthamstow Village Residents' Association (WVRA) have been calling on their elderly and disabled neighbours who are confined to the home to help with errands and check on their well-being.

WVRA environmental coordinator, Helen Learner, of Beulah Road, Walthamstow, said: “We have got quite a few members of the association looking out for people.

“We have got quite a high proportion of elderly people in the area and this weather hits them the hardest. Younger people might be able to take a fall on the ice, but for them it can be very serious.

“We just do their shopping or make sure their heating is working. We are just being neighbourly really. But if there's anyone we don't know about, please let us know.”

A Leytonstone resident concerned about people with mobility problems slipping on compacted snow is urging residents to get involved by gritting the pavement at the front of their home or business.

Flash Bristow, of Davies Lane, Leytonstone, chair of Waltham Forest Mobility Forum, said: “When the snow becomes compacted and turns to ice, it is dangerous for everyone but even more so for the elderly and disabled. And if you cannot walk or use your wheelchair anywhere, it is terrible.

“We need people to put out grit on the pavements and to use a bit of initiative. The council provide salt in bins around the borough, so I would strongly encourage people to use them and help their neighbours by doing so.”

Waltham Forest Borough Council has provided 89 salt and grit bins around the borough, each of which hold 250kg of salt.

To find out the location of grit boxes, visit www.walthamforest.gov.uk/index/transport/road-highway/highway-maint/winter-maint.htm or call the council on 8496 3000.

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