WE might fast be approaching summer, but the authorities are busy planning how to keep people safe this winter.

Experts say the cold weather puts the health of hundreds of people in jeopardy each year in Bradford, with certain groups such as the elderly or homeless people at greatest risk.

So a number of organisations join forces to do their best to keep people safe and well, in a long-established partnership called Warm Homes Healthy People.

This Thursday, the emergency services, old-age charities, Bradford Council, public health and other members of the partnership will meet at Central Hall in Keighley.

There, they will set their plan of action for keeping people - especially the elderly or infirm - healthy through the colder months this winter.

The topics up for discussion will include the problems of fuel poverty, debt and loneliness, as well as getting welfare advice to those who need it.

Members will also discuss how to make sure homes are as energy-efficient and draught-free as possible through home energy checks.

And there will be discussions about how self-care, illness prevention, healthy eating and exercise can all help keep people well.

The authorities will go over how effective their plan was last winter, what worked well and what could be done differently next time round.

Sarah Possingham, senior public health manager at Bradford Council, said wintry weather could put "hundreds of people" at risk.

She said: "It’s not just about older people.

"Poor weather can affect those with certain medical conditions, families with young children, homeless people and those who live on their own; all of whom can struggle to keep warm and healthy in winter months.

"There are potentially hundreds of people that are at risk from the cold weather across the district.

"The Warm Homes Healthy People programme is in place to help protect individuals from getting seriously ill as a result of the winter weather.

"Early planning helps ensure that we can maximise our resources and put systems in place to for support during the colder months."

Councillor Ralph Berry, portfolio holder for health and social care, said: "The Warm Home Healthy People partnership is an important part of ensuring the most vulnerable in our society are protected from the affects of cold weather.”

"Planning is essential to ensure the systems are in place to look after people in Bradford and help them live better and healthier lives throughout the winter."