RESIDENTS have been urged to take steps to stay safe and keep warm this week by Worcestershire County Council.

The authority's warning comes as the weather is predicted to turn colder again - with a possibility of some snow and ice forecast by the Met Office across the West Midlands.

Residents are encouraged to check weather forecasts and plan the day around them.

Extra care should be taken to prevent any accidental slips from icy or snowy pavements and clear paths outside your house if possible.

Councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "Cold weather can make people more vulnerable to many illnesses such as colds and flu, both of which can be very debilitating for older and people and anyone with long-term health conditions such as asthma or more serious ones like heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression."