Monitor winter services online

RESIDENTS and businesses can stay informed about West Lancashire Borough Council services if they are affected by winter weather by going online.

Information on services, including refuse and recycling collections, will be posted on the website www.westlancs. gov.uk/winter and @ WestlancsBC on Twitter.

The “blue light” emergency services also use Twitter to give out urgent information.

The council is also urging residents to be prepared in the event of any local flooding, and to check if they need to take steps to protect their homes.

Flooding can cause catastrophic damage to properties and can force people out of their homes for months.

It is the responsibility of residents to protect the property they live in, whether they own or rent their home.

The council website provides advice on where to get help about flood prevention equipment including sandbags, home insurance and information to help residents decide if they should take steps to protect their property.

There is also information about what to do if flooding occurs at www.westlancs.gov.uk/ flooding.

The North West Regional Flood and Coastal Committee also provides useful information on its “flood hub” at www.thefloodhub. co.uk.

Cllr Ian Moran, leader of West Lancashire Borough Council, said: “By keeping an eye on our website and following us on Twitter people will receive important updates about affected borough council services, as soon as they happen.

“I would encourage people to go online to find out more about winter services.

“Homes and communities can be devastated by flooding and we urge people to go to the website, look at the flood awareness pages and consider what action they should take.”

Lancashire County Council provides information on services such as highways, gritting and school closures.