Winter Weather Ahead?

The Met Office has issued snow and freezing rain weather warnings for our area for Saturday night and Sunday morning. 

With temperatures already below freezing please remember:

  • Not every road is gritted. Leicestershire County Council has a map of key routes that they try to keep clear;
  • The County Council also provides salt bins in some locations for residents to treat critical local junctions, slopes and footways during periods of prolonged snow and ice. Details on what this salt can be used for are here;
  • Public transport and schools may be affected. Local media and bus and train company web sites may have further information;
  • Please check on elderly or frail neighbours if you can

Bus Services over Christmas and New Year

Arriva buses will run to the following timetables:

Mon 23rd Dec – Saturday service

Tues 24th Dec (Christmas Eve): Saturday service with early finishes around 6pm (last bus times here)

Weds 25th & Thurs 26th Dec (Christmas Day & Boxing Day): No Service

Fri 27th & Sat 28th Dec: Saturday Service

Sun 29th Dec: Sunday Service

Mon 30th Dec: Saturday Service

Tues 31st Dec New Year’s Eve: Saturday service with early finishes around 6pm (last bus times here)

Weds 1st Jan (New Year’s Day): No Service

Thurs 2nd & Fri 3rd Jan: Saturday Service

Sat 4th Jan: Normal service resumes

The Orbital service is covered on the Leicester Buses’ page. This appears to be the same as Arriva, except that Mon 23rd and Tues 24th are normal service days, with an early finish on the 24th, and an earlier resumption of normal services on Thursday 2nd Jan.

Apply for Pension Credit by 21st December for Winter Fuel Payment

If you are eligible, you have until December 21st to apply for Pension Credit in time to also receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year

Some 800,000 pensioners are estimated by the government to qualify for Pension Credit but are not claiming it.

You can check online or by phone if you qualify for Pension Credit. If you know someone who might qualify, please also share this information with them.

Remember, you need to claim need to made by 21st December to get a Winter Fuel payment this winter, either by:

  • Using the Government’s free Pension Credit calculator.
  • Or calling the Pension Service helpline for free: 0800 99 1234 (8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)

More details and help on Pension Credit on Money Saving Expert and Age UK.