Cold snap preparations

Translink Customer Services Coordinator, Ed Hamilton, gritting the platform as part of Translinks winter preparedness programme.

The Housing Executive has urged local householders to take simple steps to avoid burst pipes in case of cold spells over the coming weeks.

Translink, meanwhile, have said that contingency plans are in place for public transport across the North, including for bus and rail services during freezing weather.

Housing Executive tenants are advised that, in the event of an emergency repair being required, they can telephone the Executive’s 24 hour repair line 03448 920 901 (text phone 18001 03448 920 901) or email the out of hours emergency services at: [email protected].

Routine repairs can be reported through the website at www.nihe.gov.uk.

A spokeswoman said that to prevent pipes from freezing, people can set the central heating to come on for short periods throughout the day and, if able, lift the trap door slightly from the roof space to allow warm air to get into the loft as a temporary measure. Other advice includes opening the doors to the sink unit to allow warmer air to circulate round the pipes.

Translink NI, meanwhile, has adopted a range of measures in a bid to reduce the impact of sub-zero weather conditions on rail and bus services.

Special railway anti-freeze, temperature-triggered point heaters in key areas, salt and grit and barrier heaters are all being used to help reduce the effects of the colder weather on trains.

Ciaran Doherty, General Manager for bus and train services at Translink, said: “In anticipation of the freezing conditions which have been forecast for the coming weeks, we are already taking the following steps to mitigate their effects and keep our customers moving.”