It could have been worse

Shropshire and Mid Wales were breathing a huge sigh of relief today after escaping the worst of the big chill – but forecasters warned more snow was on the way.

Conditions remained treacherous this morning with rush hour drivers urged to take care on icy roads.

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But the region escaped the major snowfall which had been predicted and a round-the-clock operation by road chiefs kept most routes open throughout the night.

Now residents are being warned to brace themselves for the risk of further heavy snow which is predicted later this week.

John Warner, Shropshire Star weatherman, said more prolonged snow was expected to fall on Thursday with scattered snow showers expected today and tomorrow.

He added: "Shropshire seems to have missed the very severe frost which they had in southern England. The temperature was down to -10C (14F) in Hampshire overnight.

"In Shawbury it was only -1C (30F). I think it may have been a little bit lower in south Shropshire. We had a thaw overnight. The snow was not so bad on low ground."

He said there had been a couple of inches of snow in the evening followed by a thaw.

"The outlook is for more cold weather for the rest of the week."

Gritters were out again overnight across the region and in Telford & Wrekin roads have been gritted four times.

Telford police received a large number of weather-related calls overnight after vehicles got stuck or were involved in collisions.

And there were reports of youths throwing snowballs at properties and passing vehicles, which led to a window being broken at one Donnington home.

In Shropshire about 47 schools were closed today compared with about 45 yesterday. While in Telford & Wrekin of the 76 schools only five were shut today as a result of the weather. In Powys all schools fell victim to the weather today.

Officials at Ludlow were also forced to abandon tomorrow's race meeting.

But officials at Shrewsbury Town were hoping that tonight's League Two match against Accrington Stanley at the Prostar Stadium would go ahead.

Meanwhile three children, who are all believed to be under 10, have received hospital treatment for leg injuries including one who suffered a fractured leg after they collided with a tree while sledging near Tenbury Wells.

Four ambulances and a rapid response vehicle were called to Abberley Hall School near Abberley just after 4.45pm yesterday.

And delays and cancellations to flights at airports across the country because of the snow yesterday led to knock-on affects, including at Birmingham International.

• Due to the bad weather and icy roads, collection crews have been unable to collect waste and recycling from some properties in the Bridgnorth and South Shropshire areas. However, residents affected are asked to leave their bins and/or boxes out and their waste will be collected as soon as possible.

By Lisa Rowley