Everybody needs good neighbours...

LOOK out for your neighbours. This is the rallying call of one national organisation as arctic temperatures grip northern France.

In a week in which daytime temperatures have remained as low as -2C in both Strasbourg and Nancy, the association Voisins Solidaires has set up 'Operation Grand Froid' to highlight the dangers of isolation among vulnerable people, especially the elderly, during winter months.

The organisation said that, even in major cities, vulnerable people such as the elderly can feel isolated, despite the close proximity of neighbours.

Earlier this week, broadcaster France 3 reported that in the Cité Spach area of Strasbourg, residents of some 123 properties had been without central heating for five days.

"It is essential to mobilise neighbours to develop local solidarity and avoid disastrous effects," said Atanase Périfan, creator of the Fête des Voisins and Voisins Solidaires.

The association has created a 'Grand Froid' kit, which can be picked up from the partner city councils or downloaded from its website - voisinssolidaires.fr

Météo-France has warned the cold snap will continue into Friday, but forecasts that temperatures will rise again over the weekend.

Photo: Sylvain Raybaud / Flickr