'It's a good feeling giving back to the community'

A window cleaner has put his squeegee and bucket aside to shovel snow and ice off the drives of elderly people for free, to help them avoid injury in the cold weather.

When snow started falling across Wolverhampton, 23-year-old Owen James' first thought was the impact on the vulnerable members of the community.

Offering his help, he posted a video on Facebook on Sunday that attracted more than 70 responses and viewed nearly 40,000 times. On his first day, he says he cleared 23 drives and pathways, costing him nearly £200 so far.

"Money comes and goes, but it's a good feeling giving back to the community," James said.

He is continuing to offer his services across the city and has continued to go wherever he receives a heads up that someone is in need.

"One cul-de-sac is on a hill and there's a lot of elderly living there who couldn't get their cars out because the bottom of the hill was like an ice-rink. I nearly lost my van on it," James said.

"I put the grit down and the residents were able to get out then, that's what it's all about, allowing people to get on with their lives in this weather, everyone is winning then."

All of the grit and equipment has been funded from his own pocket, costing him about £180, but he says he has no plans to stop.

"It's well worth it for the community, people have helped us build a window cleaning business so it's a way of giving back," James said.

"I'll be out until the snow disappears all together."

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for heavy snow in Wolverhampton from Thursday night into Friday. An amber cold-health alert has also been issued.

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