Winter worries for three quarters of Brits
A new poll has found 74% of people have concerns about their home this winter. The AA’s Home Emergency Response Service survey points out that many households are vulnerable as 16% of adults, around 7.5 million people, live alone, and nearly one in six of these (15%) don’t know any of their neighbours.
A third, 33%, of those polled said that they are worried about their heating breaking down, while 22% worry about burst pipes and 19% about power cuts.
Being snowed-in is a concern for 31% of people and 11% are worried about running out of food because they can’t get to the shops.
The AA is calling for a return of community spirit and is urging people to take more of an interest in their neighbours’ welfare, particularly in the harsh winter conditions when people can become very isolated.
Tom Stringer, Head of AA Home Emergency Response, said: “This winter we’d like to see people look after their neighbours’ welfare more, offer to help them clear snow or ice from their property or help them with their shopping, particularly those who are more vulnerable such as the elderly.
“We know that some communities are great at helping others as we saw with people clearing icy pavements last year. We would like to see more of this.”
