This week Wycombe MP Steve Baker writes exclusively to Bucks Free Press readers:

It is now very noticeable the nights are drawing in.

We are going to work or college and returning home in the dark and I have noticed a real chill in the air when I have travelled around Wycombe and Westminster this week.

We all know that recent winters have brought us a range of weathers. Over the last ten years, we have experienced heavy snowfall in Wycombe, strong winds and flooding especially near to the River Thames.

For this coming winter, the Government, national bodies and our local Councils are preparing for whatever weather is thrown at us.

This week, I received a useful letter from Ministers about the Government’s work to prepare for winter this year and the support that is available to local communities especially following flooding.

The Environment Agency runs the Flood Warning Service, which is a free service provided by the Agency to warn communities about flooding and provide advice about what to do before, during and after a flood.

To sign up for the Flood Warning Service visit the www.gov.uk/flood website.

You can also phone the Floodline number on 0345 988 1188.

Buckinghamshire County Council are responsible for the vast majority of road maintenance in our area, and the Transport for Buckinghamshire teams play a key role to try and keep out key routes open in all weathers. in keeping our key routes open.

The Council’s ‘Ready for Winter’ web page includes important information about salt bins, gritting routes, as well as winter travel advice.

Visit https://www.buckscc.gov.uk/services/community/ready-for-winter/ for further information. That website also includes a link to the Met Office’s Weather Warnings.

Finally I understand that heating costs are a real concern for many people at this time of year, and there has been a useful briefing event in Westminster this week about this important matter.

I believe that it is vital to do as much as possible to help those struggling to pay their energy bills.

Households struggling with their bills are eligible for insulation measures, including solid wall insulation, through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme.

Homeowners and those in privately rented homes who are on specific benefits may also be eligible for support towards heating improvements, including oil-fired boiler replacements, through ECO Affordable Warmth.

To help ensure that households at risk of fuel poverty can afford to heat their homes, the Government has committed to continue the Warm Home Discount scheme.

This helps more than two million households a year with £140 to go towards their energy bills. Pensioners also get further help through the Winter Fuel Payment.

If you are struggling to contact organisations such as your local energy provider about issues associated with your energy bills, please let me know and I will do my best to assist.

However, you may want to contact our excellent Citizens Advice Bureau. Citizens Advice can be reached on 0344 499 4108.

They have a comprehensive page on their website which discusses all issues to do with energy costs.

Visit https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/ for further information.