Heading into Winter in Melksham

Despite the gloriously sunny weather of the last few days

and the prospect of temperatures up to 22 degrees this weekend, winter is very much

on its way to Melksham. The dark evenings are testament to this, as are the

bizarre rainstorms we had a couple of weeks ago. Because we never know what’s

just around the corner, it’s best to be well prepared for the onset of dreary

days and cold snaps over the next few months.

Plumbers

One of the biggest worries during freezing weather is pipes

bursting or boilers breaking down, so we need to know a good plumber. I spent

most of the summer in the company of Melksham plumbers Gatty and Son (

01225 353119

) as they replumbed my

house and installed central heating – yes – after two winters without heating

I’m going to be warm this year!

Other local names include City Plumbing & Heating from

Atworth and M S Taylor Plumbing & Heating Services from Broughton Gifford.

Anybody know any more? Let us know by reviewing them for our business

directory. If you’re a plumber and not in our business directory, join up for

free! Remember all plumbers should be on the Gas Safe Register.

Fuel

Don’t be caught out; now is the time to order in your winter

fuel, Countrywide in Melksham deliver domestic heating oil and sells oil tanks

too. If you burn wood, buy in chopped logs from Melksham-based Wiltshire Logs

01225 353382. For coal, I don‘t know anyone in Melksham who delivers. Any tips?

Keeping Warm and Being Green

Heat escaping out of your house via inadequate lagging and

insulation in lofts adds to fuel bills; save the pennies by ensuring you have

sufficient insulation and you’re also doing your bit for the environment. Check

on www.insulationgrants.info to see if you are eligible for a government grant

to pay for extra lagging in your loft.

Tips for Being Prepared

Put anti-freeze in your car radiator and de-icer in the

screenwash. Melksham Motor Spares has a massive selection of both.

Cover garden furniture with tarpaulin to prevent it rotting.

Buy candles and matches in case of power cuts.

Poundstretcher on Melksham High Street has some cheap options.

Check torch batteries and stock up on light bulbs; you‘ll

find them in Leekes.

Make sure you‘ve got a shovel and broom for clearing snow

and supplies of salt for icy days.

Be Kind

If you’ve got elderly or disabled relatives or friends, look

out for them. Give them your contact details so they can call you if they have

problems with the cold, their heating or just getting out and about in freezing

temperatures.