With temperatures still below -10C in some places, Wardens from Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority are on standby for local organisations and communities to access the worst affected areas. Western Area Warden for Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, Paul Chapman is on standby for Meals on Wheels this week after it came close to being cancelled earlier this week. He said, “We are trained to work in all weather conditions throughout the year and despite the heavy snow we are determined to see Meals on Wheels get through to some of our most isolated residents in Brecon, Llangorse, Talybont, Sennybridge and Defynnog.
“The elderly are particularly vulnerable during the winter and many are unable to prepare meals for themselves and or even able to leave their homes during periods of good weather. We are on standby in case the weather takes another turn for the worse and normal deliveries cannot get through. Meals on Wheels do a fantastic job trying to reach everyone, and it’s sometimes the only contact that some of the elderly have with the outside world. With the cold snap due to continue, we are urging residents to be good neighbours, maybe lay grit down and clear paths for those who are less able, check that they have heating and fuel, or just offer to pop down to the local shop to restock supplies during this bad spell of weather.”
Esther Griffiths, Day Centre Manager for Arosfa Day Centre in Brecon said: “In Powys we have approximately 35 residents who rely on us for their daily delivery of meals on wheels – with many of them located in isolated and rural areas. It’s been a fantastic relief to have the support and commitment of the National Park Wardens on standby, John Richards – the Meals on Wheels driver – and all our staff and volunteers from the WRVS (Women’s Royal Voluntary Service) to continue this service especially when a lot of the roads have become virtually impassable.
“The National Park Wardens are on standby this week to deliver meals to our usual residents but are also on hand to check on our more vulnerable people in the community who’ve been left extremely isolated by the adverse weather conditions. We are also checking on our regular day visitors who are unable to leave their homes this week because the roads and paths are so hazardous.”
Warden Paul Chapman went on to say: “The roads are treacherous at the moment and we are urging drivers to take extra precautions for their own welfare and to think carefully before undertaking major journeys should conditions like this persist. If you do have to drive through heavy snowfall, try and be prepared by having your mobile phone fully charged, pack extra rugs and blankets in the car, a shovel, and a hot thermos in case the worst should happen.”