Published at 11:23, Tuesday, 27 November 2012

Temperatures are expected to plunge to minus 7C as a cold spell hits Cumbria.

Forecasters say the county has seen an end to the torrential rain for the time being.

But they warn the weather will turn colder in the next week with night-time temperatures dipping well below zero.

The days will be bright and sunny with temperatures dropping away towards the end of this week leaving an average of 1C or 2C.

Snow may fall on higher ground.

The NHS wants people to think carefully before accessing health services during the predicted icy weather.

They should only call 999 or use accident and emergency services in a life-threatening situation or in case of serious illness.

NHS walk-in services, both minor injury units and primary care assessment services, can treat minor injuries and illnesses.

Alternatively, anyone with a minor illness or complaint can visit their local pharmacy, which can give advice, call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit www.nhs.uk A well-stocked medicine cabinet can help with most minor ailments, such as diarrhoea, colds, flu and headaches.

NHS Cumbria sent information to every home in Cumbria last month, advising them how to choose the best health services for their needs.

A Winter Wise roadshow to help householders beat bursts and blockages will be in Carlisle for the next two weekends handing out hundreds of free advice packs.

Each free pack contains a leaflet, a tag for your stop tap and a write-on boiler magnet for the name of your local plumber.

They will be at B&Q in London Road, Carlisle from this Friday until Sunday, December 2 and at Wickes in Duke’s Road, Carlisle, on Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9.

Tips include:

• Lag your pipes so they are much less likely to freeze and cut off your water.
• Find and label your stop tap so that you know exactly where to switch the water off if you get a burst pipe.
• Make sure you already know the number of a good plumber.

Customers can also download advice at www.unitedutilities.com/winterwise

• Flooding closed a road to Keswick this morning. The A591 between Lyzzick Hall Hotel and Dodd Wood garden centre was shut as the road was impassable. Drivers were asked to find an alternative route.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk