ELDERLY people in Edinburgh are to be given a helping hand through the freezing conditions with deliveries of emergency supplies.
The move comes after it was revealed that two pensioners died in their gardens in Cumbria.
Lillian Jenkinson, 30, was found on Wednesday and Cumbria Police believed she may have fallen in her garden over night.
A man was discovered on Tuesday and police are looking at whether or not it was a fall or a medical episode that caused his death.
The City of Edinburgh Council have organised a batch of supplies to be taken to the most vulnerable in the community, with many of the deliveries being made by their own staff members.
They have teamed up with Tesco in Colinton, who will be donating the items, and Red Cross volunteers will also be on hand to help them dish-out the goods.
The parcels will be filled with essential household goods and groceries like long-life milk, tinned vegetables, fruit, tea bags, biscuits and tins of ham and corned beef.
Councillor Paul Edie, health and social care leader, said the council was making sure the most vulnerable citizens of Edinburgh continued to receive support throughout the severe weather.
He said: “The freezing conditions are making it almost impossible for some of our most vulnerable people to buy their essential daily shopping items.
“These emergency supplies will help them in their time of need and I’m delighted that we have so many committed volunteers helping us with this very worthwhile cause.
“I would also urge people to show their community spirit by checking with their elderly neighbours if they need any help with their shopping.”
Anyone who is worried or needs advice should contact Social Care Direct for advice on 0131 200 2324 or in the evenings and at weekends contact can be made with the out of hours service at 0800 731 6969.
