03/12/2010

Elderly Found Dead As Big Freeze Takes It Toll

Two elderly people have been found dead in their gardens due to freezing weather conditions.

On Tuesday, an elderly man was found in his garden in Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria.

The following morning, an 80-year-old woman was also found in her garden in Workington, it is believed she fell over.

Meanwhile, motorists have been urged not to panic buy at the petrol pumps amid reports of fuel shortages.

The Retail Motor Industry Independent Petrol Retailers Association says the adverse weather is leading to "critical" shortages in places.

The East is worst affected with diesel supplies running low or even running out in some places.

Brian Madderson, Chairman of the RMI, said around 500 forecourts could be without diesel by the weekend.

He said: "The whole of the east side of the country is caught in this Arctic weather and that means that fuel terminals and refinery terminal all the way down from Aberdeen past the Thames to the Hamble are having difficulties getting supplies out.

"What we do not have is a shortage of product - all the refineries are working and the stocks are there.

"The real difficulty is getting the tankers on the road and out to the forecourts to refuel them."

Mr Madderson said that supplies would return to normal if drivers refrain from panic buying.

Moreover, police are warning drivers to travel only if necessary.

Many transport services are still severely affected with rail services restricted and many roads gridlocked.

The Eurostar, c2c, East Coast, London Overground, Southern, East Midlands, First Hull and South West Trains are all experiencing service disruptions.

Cancellations are in place on lines operated by First TransPennine, South Eastern, First Capital, Northern Rail, CrossCountry and First Great Western.

Southern Railway is running on a reduced service on a limited number of routes.

Due to ongoing delays, air passengers are advised to check with their airline before setting off.

Gatwick Airport has re-opened, having shut since Wednesday morning. There will be limited flights and more cancellations. Robin Hood Airport will remain closed until at least midday.

After another bitterly cold night, temperatures have dipped to -20.1C in Braemar, Aberdeenshire, and -7C in Birmingham.

There are two severe weather warnings, with widespread icy roads particularly in the Scottish Highlands and Cornwall.

(BMcN)




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