Cool reception for hot

Busybodies are treating us like idiots, claim ‘For many, the hot weather is enjoyable and a blessing but it can cause issues for certain members of the community’

County council officials are being accused of treating people like idiots after they issued warm weather advice such as drinking cold water and wearing a hat.

Herne Bay Ukip councillor Brian Macdowall branded the 10-point heatwave advice “an excessive and pointless intrusion into people’s lives”.

The Conservative-controlled authority issued the media release as temperatures across the county touched the low 30s, warning sunseekers of dangers if they went outside.

Other advice included cold showers or splashing oneself with cool water, opening windows “if it’s safe” and avoiding hot drinks like tea and coffee.

But Mr Macdowall, a member of the 15-councillor Ukip group, said: “We have been very critical of the county council on the amount of promotional material which is put out tantamount to advice on people’s lifestyles.

“There are leaflets and press releases on all sorts of subjects on being overweight or smoking but, having listened to the advice, people will have a choice about whether they actually want to follow it.

“Looking at the warm weather advice, it’s not new or original and not intelligent.

“In fact, it is patronising and treats people like idiots. It is an excessive and pointless intrusion into people’s lives – it’s the nanny state.”

Other advice warm weather advice issued by KCC includes staying indoors between 11am and 3pm when it’s hot, closing blinds or curtains if it’s safe, wearing hats and sunglasses and staying tuned to the weather forecast.

Kent County Council defended its decision to release the advice.

Spokesman Gemma Smith, who issued the press release, said: “We have a statutory duty to do this and, apart from my time, no extra money has been spent doing it. This is part of our link-up with Public Health England and we have followed their template.

“There is also an increase in hospital admissions and this is a way of urging people to take precautions.”

KCC’S director for public health, Andrew Scott-clark, added: “For many, the hot weather is enjoyable and a blessing but it can cause issues for certain members of the community, such as the old, the very young and those with underlying health problems.

“When it is hot outside, it is not just about vulnerable people being ready – it is also about families and communities looking out for each other.

“There is lots of good advice out there and this is a time of year when friends, neighbours and families can make an important difference by rallying round and taking time to care for each other.”

What do you think? Email kentishgazette@thekmgroup. co.uk or write to Gazette House, Estuary View Business Park, Whitstable, CT5 3SE.

FM4434363 The weather, good and bad, has helped the Westgate Gardens to look glorious