WITH snow warnings being issued by the Met Office, steps are being taken to ensure some of the most vulnerable can access emergency winter provisions.

Winter weather packs are being made up ready to distribute to people in need across Richmondshire during severe conditions.

The packs can include everything from a blanket, torch, hat and gloves to thermometer, tea and coffee, tinned food, pasta, instant soup, porridge and water - as well as emergency numbers and information on where to go for urgent help.

They are with the StoreHouse Food Bank in Richmond, the Beacon, homeless hostels and partners and organisations who come into contact with people in need.

“These packs will be given to people who have become isolated in their homes because of the severe winter weather,” said the district council’s corporate director Callum McKeon.

“Richmondshire has many deeply rural areas and the winter conditions often mean people cannot leave their homes – especially the elderly.

“We want to be sure they can stay warm and not go hungry at this time.”

The authority has allocated £500 from funding received from the North Yorkshire County Council winter weather pot.

It comes on top of a scheme to loan grit spreaders to parishes in the district and provide information leaflets on how to be prepared for winter, snow clearing and emergency help.

The authority is working with Richmondshire Community and Voluntary Action which has received a £500 grant from the Two Ridings Community Foundation.