THE big chill is expected to hit Bolton next week as snow and icy winds blast the North-west.

The worst of the weather is likely on Monday, with temperatures dropping over the weekend and plummeting on Sunday night to -4C, with even colder temperatures to follow.

Arctic temperatures are expected to sweep in from North America to replace the mild, wet weather. And local road, rail and health experts are gearing up for the cold snap.

On the roads, the gritting service is on standby, updated with regular weather reports, said Bolton's head of highway services Dave Houghton.

Ten gritters are on 24-hour cover and can be mobilised initially within an hour and completely in two hours to cover 25 strategic routes in the borough.

"With 1,100 kilometres of roads in the area, we cannot cover every single road," said Mr Houghton.

"But once those strategic routes for residents and through traffic in Bolton have been covered, we will try to help other residents with road gritting problems."

There are also 500 do-it-yourself gritting bins around the borough, and a gritting helpline for the public.

Elsewhere, the Highways Agency has a depot -- "Ice Station Zebra" -- at Westhoughton which has 2,500 tonnes of salt ready to be used on motorways and trunk roads in a co-ordinated regional operation.

RAC Live is advising all motorists to plan their journeys and, where possible, use major routes. A spokesman said: "Take a mobile phone with you and make sure it is fully charged. Wrap up warmly and take a blanket, waterproof clothing and sensible footwear."

While weather problems could affect trains, Network Rail spokesman Keith Lumley said measures to combat them were in place.

"We have snowploughs at strategic spots, and there are also heaters on the points to keep them operating," he said.

"The action of trains running does help to keep the track free of snow, and we have staff who will come out to clear snow from points and signals as well."

The Bolton Primary Care Trust is urging everyone to take extra care with their health during cold weather. Spokesman Veronica Swinburne said: "Cold weather can make people more vulnerable to colds and flu, and a drop in body temperature increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and breathing problems.

"This is especially so for people who are frail and elderly, have long term illnesses or have lowered immunity, perhaps because of medication they are taking. All these people should take extra care." She also advises people to keep homes warm, at around 70F (21C) in rooms used regularly, and with heating left on longer, rather than turned up higher.

Dressing warmly in several thin layers rather than one thick one is best, as well as wearing a hat when going out and sensible, non-slip shoes or boots.

Gareth Evans, of Age Concern in Bolton, said elderly people should have at least one good hot meal every day and lots of hot drinks.

They should also adequately heat their homes and "not worry about it". He urged family and neighbours to keep an eye on older residents they felt were vulnerable.

USEFUL NUMBERS

Gritting helpline: 01204-336600

Winter warmth helpline: 0800-085-7000

NHS Direct: 0845-4647

Rail Inquiries: 0845-7484950

He said: "Stay active, either indoors or outdoors, and if you do go out don't forget to wear a hat and gloves."