NORTHERN Powergrid is working to get power restored to properties in the Bradford district as quickly as possible, but there are still around 1,400 properties who will face another cold night tonight.

Bradford Council teams have been working over the weekend to support people affected by the power cuts caused by Storm Arwen.

High winds and heavy snowfall have caused power cuts to over 1,500 properties in the Bradford district.

The majority of the properties affected have been without electricity since early on Saturday morning, with the power outage coinciding with particularly cold weather, with parts of the district recordinh temperatures as low as minus four.

The Council is continuing to work with local residents, volunteers and councillors to support those in need.

Respite centres have been opened in local communities, helping to provide residents with warmth, hot drinks, food, blankets and somewhere to charge their phones.

Centres were opened over the weekend at St Barnabas Church in Thwaites Brow, Silsden Methodist Church, Silsden Town Hall, Denholme Youth Centre and St Mary’s Church Hall in Riddlesden.

The centres at St Mary’s Church Hall and at Denholme Youth Centre have reopened today and a respite centre at Queensbury Community Programme was also open this morning.

Local councillors and Bradford Council Neighbourhood Wardens have also been going door-to-door to check on residents.

Bradford Council’s gritting teams have been out continually since Friday evening in often blizzard conditions, clearing snow and ice from the district's routes.

Some of the crews have been deployed specifically to help in communities affected by the power cuts to get to the respite centres supported by the council’s Emergency Management Team.

Vaccination sites have also been made a priority to ensure Covid-19 vaccinations can continue.

The Council’s Cold Weather Provision for homeless people has also been open this weekend, with outreach and support workers helping people who sleep rough by providing emergency beds.

Anyone worried about anyone sleeping on the streets in the district is asked to call 01274 309165, visit http://www.streetlink.org.uk or download the Street Link app.

Everyone who stays for a ‘cold weather bed’ is provided with support to help resolve their housing situation on a longer-term basis as well.

The Council has also dealt with 33 reports of fallen trees blocking roads and foot paths, and has worked with local contractors to get the damage cleared and the roads reopened.

Bradford Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe said: “We’ve had an extremely busy weekend with officers, volunteers, residents and councillors all working hard to support residents some who have been without power for over 48 hours.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and open respite centres where needed.

"Northern Powergrid are working to get power restored to properties as quickly as they can but unfortunately there are still around 1,400 properties who will face another cold night."

Northern Powergrid’s website www.northernpowergrid.com has information for residents about the power cuts with estimated times for reconnection.

Bradford Council’s website www.bradford.gov.uk has information about gritting, including a map of all gritting routes throughout the district.