FRONTLINE council workers are struggling to keep going in the snow.

Home carers used 4x4 vehicles to visit vulnerable older people yesterday as roads across Huddersfield became treacherous.

A Kirklees Council spokeswoman said: “We make special arrangements to ensure vulnerable people get the help they need during adverse weather.

“Our home care staff work with users of our services and their relatives to decide what help is most needed and who is best placed to provide that help.

“We have contingency plans in place to identify friends, relatives and neighbours who may be available to help ensure users of our service are kept safe, warm and fed.

“We are receiving support from colleagues across the council who are providing four-wheel drive vehicles and drivers to get our staff out to the more difficult-to-reach areas. People are informed in advance of the visit and all staff will carry an identification badge.”

The council spokeswoman said: “We urge people to check on their elderly neighbours during these bad weather times. With heavy snow and treacherous conditions many elderly residents could be stuck inside, unable to get to the shop to buy food or to the chemist for their medication. ”

Anyone who knows a vulnerable person who may need a visit from a council home carer can call 01484 414933.

Bin collections were also disrupted with refuse vehicles going out but not venturing on to ungritted roads in Kirklees. Residents are asked to leave bins out until collected.

Yesterday afternoon Calderdale Council said its home care service was operating as normal, with a 4x4 on standby if needed. Anyone with concerns can call 0845 111 11 03.

All bin collections in Calderdale were suspended yesterday and household waste recycling sites were closed until they could safely reopen.