Snow shuts schools and disrupts travel

Photo: Vincent Brown

SNOW going . . . a van needs a push in Higginshaw Lane, Oldham.

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THE CHAOS continues across Oldham with 76 schools closed as 10cm of snow has now fallen.

The borough woke up under a blanket of snow this morning, many commuters were forced to leave their cars and walk to work, while a large number could not make it in at all and major delays were caused to bus services.

Snowfall began before 6am and 10cm has fallen on Oldham since.

There was gridlock on the main roads through Oldham this morning - traffic has since eased but conditions remain difficult.

A total of 76 schools - and counting - have been closed throughout the borough.

Oldham and Tameside are the two worst hit areas in Greater Manchester and the Met Office have issued a severe weather warning for snow and ice.

Oldham Council has confirmed that it has had to suspend bin collections.

A council spokesperson said: “Despite our best efforts this morning we have reluctantly had to suspend all today’s refuse and recycling collections for safety reasons.

“Residents are advised to leave refuse bins out only and they will be collected as soon as possible.

“We advise that residents return recycling bins or containers to their property and they will be collected on the next schedule collection day where extras will be taken in clearly marked bags.”

North West Ambulance Service is asking residents in the region to take care as heavy snow continues to fall.

With the adverse weather conditions slowing down response times, the Trust is urging the public to only phone the Service when necessary and to look after family members along with elderly neighbours.

Ged Blezard, Acting Director of Operations said, “The severe weather is having a huge impact on the Service as we, like all other road users, have to negotiate the hazardous driving conditions. There is always an increase in the number of road traffic collisions and falls and therefore I ask that the public only undertake journeys when necessary. If you do need to travel, make sure you are prepared for extended journey times.”