SCHOOLS were closed and roads became dangerously slippery as heavy snow descended on Malvern.
The A4103 was among the roads blocked, following a crash in Storridge involving multiple vehicles.
West Mercia Police also said there were a number of abandoned vehicles left on the A44 near Bringsty, causing the road to become “impassable even with appropriate vehicles”.
Drivers were warned to check ahead before travelling, there were delays on bus routes and people were told to only travel if necessary.
Worcestershire County Council said its gritters were working around the clock, but encountered treacherous driving conditions in large parts of the county, particularly in Malvern.
Dozens of schools in and around Malvern made the decision to close because of “snow and freezing conditions”.
The “treacherous travelling conditions” caused problems for teachers getting to schools and a number of schools said the decision was made to protect the safety of pupils, parents and staff.
Abberley Parochial Primary School in Martley said there were also lorries blocking the hill to Abberley from Great Witley.
Schools that closed because of the snow included Abberley, Clifton-upon-Teme Primary, Dyson Perrins Academy, Great Malvern Primary, Great Witley Primary, Grove Primary, Madresfield Primary, Malvern Wells Primary, Northleigh Primary, St James’ Primary in West Malvern, St Joseph’s Primary, St Matthias Primary, Suckley School, The Chantry School in Martley, The Chase, Welland Primary and Wyche Primary.
READ MORE: Live updates as snow falls in Worcestershire
Malvern St James Girls’ School bucked the trend, opening as usual. The school confirmed that its minibus service even managed to run as usual.
And readers were quick to condemn schools for closing, with one accusing decision-makers of being “health and safety-conscious snowflakes”.
Another commented: “I would be interested in understanding the economic impact of these closures.
“Parents forced to stay at home to look after kids either taking a days holiday or taking a day sick.”
And one added: “What nonsense, I walked to school aged 11 in January 1962, a foot deep in places.
“We just kept our hats, coats and gloves on, no heating either and most of the teachers got there too, we are not setting our kids good examples.”
Sleet and showers are set to continue today. For the latest updates see malverngazette.co.uk
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