HEAVY SNOW caused further travel misery across Shropshire and Mid Wales today as Arctic conditions showed no signs of letting up.

Up to 4ins (10.2cms) of snow fell in some parts of Shropshire overnight, while temperatures in the county remained below freezing. Residents woke up to a further blanket of snow today.

And motorists struggled to get around as more continued to fall.

Forecasters said a thaw was unlikely in the coming days with cold weather continuing and more heavy snow forecast for the county tonight.

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The Met Office weather station at RAF Shawbury recorded overnight temperatures of -2C (28F). About three inches (7.6cm) of snow fell overnight in Market Drayton and about four inches (10.2cm) of snow fell on the Nesscliffe area.

Snow ploughs were out across the region during the morning rush hour with motorists slowing down and taking extra care due to the icy conditions, while gritters were out overnight battling to keep roads open.

The snow also led to chaos for some bus users in Telford and Bridgnorth who have seen six services stop.

Keith Myatt, from Arriva Midlands, said some services in the area were cancelled or diverted as roads were impassible and warned some others may be delayed.

A car skidded in snow on the B5062 from Shrewsbury to High Ercall leaving the road blocked briefly this morning, police said.

One lane of the M54 westbound was closed early today after a crash which is understood to involve a jack-knifed lorry

Across Powys 83 schools were closed today on what is the last day of term.

Firefighters launched a plea for residents to keep an eye on elderly neighbours during the cold snap after one 88-year-old woman was found to be trying to heat a three-bedroomed house with two small halogen heaters. One crew from Oswestry was called to the woman’s home in St Martins yesterday after the property it was hit by flooding in the attic.

In Shrewsbury staff at the Greenhous Meadow were keeping a close eye on the weather ahead of Shrewsbury Town Football Club’ s Boxing Day game.

And Telford & Wrekin Council will operate a snow line on (01952) 380100.

By Emma Kasprzak