WEST Sussex residents in villages like Harting and Rogate are being warned by Chichester District Council to stay safe and warm over the next few days, when severe weather conditions are due to reach the area.

Due to the weather forecast, the council is also advising residents that any severe weather may affect refuse and recycling collections, but to still keep their bins out.

Cllr Roger Barrow said: “It is difficult to predict how bad the weather conditions are going to be. However, we want to reassure residents that if we can’t reach them on their usual day, we will empty their bin just as soon as we can. Residents just need to make sure that their bins are left out. We will also be providing regular updates on our website and social media sites.”

The council has also been providing its severe weather provision for the homeless since February 22 when the temperature fell below zero.

Cllr Jane Kilby said: “We have been working with homeless charities and partners to make sure that all rough sleepers know about the provision. The temperature is incredibly cold at the moment and the weather conditions are predicted to get worse.”

Rough sleepers and homeless persons are being encouraged to visit the Stonepillow Day Centre at The Old Glassworks, St Cyriacs, Chichester, by 4pm each day to access this service.

Stonepillow can also be reached by calling 01243 775925 or emailing [email protected]

Alternatively, go to the council offices in East Pallant House, East Pallant, Chichester, between 8.45am and 5.10pm Monday to Thursday, or up to 5pm on a Friday. Outside these hours call the council on 01243 785339.

The council is also asking residents to keep an eye on vulnerable neighbours, friends and family members and to check local weather forecasts regularly on the television, radio, websites or social media. The Met Office weather report can be accessed by visiting the website www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings

Advice on keeping warm and well can be found can be found on the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/livewell/winterhealth/pages/keepwarmkeepwell.aspx

Details of any school closures can be found on the West Sussex County Council website https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/education-children-and-families/schools-and-colleges/emergency-school-closures/.

Chichester District Council will provide cold weather updates on its website www.chichester.gov.uk ; its Facebook page www.facebook.com/ChichesterDistrictCouncil ; and its Twitter page https://twitter.com/ChichesterDC