WITH temperatures forecast to drop to 1C and frost expected to hit the Cotswolds this weekend, households are being urged to get their homes winter ready to avoid a cold weather disaster.

As the winter chill sets in and cold temperatures grip The Cotswolds, British Gas is predicting that its engineers will visit more than 1,400 homes in the Cotswolds this week, to help fix problems with heating or hot water.

James Kew, a British Gas engineer who services and repairs boilers across the South West, said: “Having no heating or hot water during the winter months isn’t a nice experience.

"In fact, a recent poll by British Gas found that it would be people’s worst winter disaster in the home. That’s why it’s important that we’re on standby to help our customers should in case things go wrong.

Customers are encouraged to bleed radiators, block the breeze, check your carbon monoxide alarm, and to insulate hot water.

Residents are also encouraged to insulate pipes, be energy smart, maintain their drains and to control their heating remotely.