CLACKS residents are being urged to take extra care this winter with freezing weather set to descent on the Wee County.

SNP MSP Keith Brown is warning residents to make sure their homes are prepared for the cold snap.

Each year, around 1.3 million homes across Britain experience a boiler breakdown and a new study shows that 34 per cent of households haven't had their boiler serviced this year - putting themselves at risk of a similar crisis.

During the Beast from the East, temperatures of below -10°C and wind speeds of over 60mph led to the busiest week on record for Scottish Gas, with 104 calls for assistance coming in every second. Engineers across Britain cancelled their holidays and stayed at home so they could be there for their customers.

This winter, Scottish Gas's expert team of engineers have worked with Google to launch Boiler Support.

This is a free service available via the Google Assistant app which helps people fix some of the less technical boiler problems at home.

Mr Brown said: "It's really important for homes to be prepared for the winter. I want everyone across Clackmannanshire and Dunblane to understand what help is available to them, and for their family and friends.

"Being energy efficient and keeping bills under control is also really important, so I'd encourage people to seek advice from their energy supplier and take practical steps to help with their energy use this winter.

"Making sure you have your boiler serviced regularly, bleed your radiators and keep the draughts out can make a big difference in keeping your house warm."

Visit scottishgas.co.uk/home-services/boiler-support.html