Dear Madam, - As wintry weather grips Northern Ireland with a significant drop in temperatures, can I again urge everyone to look out for elderly neighbours who find this particular time of year particularly challenging in terms of keeping warm and heating costs.

With the cold weather, elderly people are reluctant to leave their homes leaving them vulnerable to isolation and loneliness, their only source of companionship being their television. I know older people do worry about keeping warm this time of year and I would urge people to remember that support and information is available from AgeNI to ensure that correct benefit entitlements are being received as well as other forms of useful advice. Can I urge people to make the call on 0808 808 7575.

Yours faithfully, Councillor Raymond Farrell Ballinamallard Co Fermanagh.