WITH the borough reaching record low temperatures residents are being urged to look out for the vulnerable and to think before making a trip to the A&E.
The mercury plunged to -14C, in Northolt, the lowest for 20 years, and the Met Office say there is likely to be no let up in the cold weather until at least the middle of next month.
Age Concern Ealing say it is a particularly difficult time for the elderly who are trapped in their homes for fear of slipping on the icy pavements.
Denyse Whillier, the charity's chief executive, said: “People are very worried about slipping and breaking a bone. We're asking people to check on their neighbours who may be alone, or need help with things like shopping.”
She said the charity ran a range of support including a telephone service to check up on the vulnerable, was delivering hampers of essentials to those in need, and has an advice line on staying warm and healthy, including how to claim benefits such as heating grants.
Many pavements remain treacherous causing an increase in admissions to Ealing Hospital's A and E for broken bones and sprains.
Director of nursing Paul Reeves said the hospital was coping well but said their had also been a rise in people visiting with coughs and colds, putting unnecessary pressure on the service. He asked them not to come to A and E but see their GPs or call NHS Direct for advice first.
Ealing Council also say it is coping well. Staff spread 600 tonnes of grit over the main roads, bus routes and others most used by residents, in 48 hours at the weekend, covering the equivalent of 2,550 miles of roads. It says it still has a healthy stockpile to get through the winter.
And the binmen have been collecting black bags and recycling as normal.
As schools are already closed for Christmas, children are making the most of the snow without gaining any extra holiday. And the top of Springbridge Road car park, Ealing, which is open to the elements, is also closed to avoid any nasty accidents.
Cars snaked around bumper to bumper on Saturday, a day after the heavy snowfall, but major roads were cleared soon after. Transport for London said the tube lines through the borough were not badly affected and they will run de-icing trains carrying specialist equipment and fluid to ensure they continue to run a good service.
Traders were not happy about the weather, with stores around Ealing Broadway among many who experienced less customers than expected in the last weekend before Christmas. But many said they were confident that much of the loss would be made up in the run up to Christmas Day.
Age Concern also run day centres in West Ealing and Acton providing warmth, food and company. Call 020 8567 8017 to find out more about the support the charity can offer.
NHS Direct can be contacted on 0845 46 47 it is open 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
