SOUTHEND Council is reiterating its warning to residents to be mindful of their personal safety during the current adverse weather conditions.

More snow is forecast and the weather is expected to deteriorate dramatically from the early hours of Sunday.

Temperatures are also set to remain below freezing for the foreseeable future and further major disruption is expected across the country.

Residents are urged not to make journeys by car unless they are absolutely necessary and to car share whenever possible if they have to use their vehicles.

They are also advised to refer to the council’s website to keep abreast of school closures.

Homeowners are requested to keep an eye out for elderly, disabled and vulnerable neighbours who may find the severe weather particularly difficult to cope with.

Anna Waite, executive councillor for planning and transport, urged residents to make safety their number one priority during the big freeze.

She said: “Yet more bad weather is forecast and it is inevitable that some council services will face continued disruption.

“Refuse and recycling collections are highly likely to be delayed and people should try to judge for themselves whether it is sensible to put bags out.

“They should only travel by car if their journeys are essential and use their common sense to assess the conditions.

“If public transport is available that should be the preferred option. Great care should also be taken on pavements and pathways which remain hazardous.

“I would also appeal to residents to keep an extra watchful eye on elderly, disabled and vulnerable neighbours who may be confined to their homes by the adverse weather.

“If there is anything they can do to assist in clearing driveways and pavements of snow and ice it would be greatly appreciated.”

Mrs Waite said local authorities across the country were struggling to re-stock their grit supplies due to the snow and ice which blanketed the country over Christmas.

She said: “Every effort is being made to get further supplies of grit to the council and in the meantime existing stocks are being used sparingly to maximise effectiveness.

“We will do all we can to ensure that the major routes into and out of town and routes used by emergency vehicles are kept open to keep traffic moving.”