Grit supply dwindles as much of county hitsstandstill

THOUSANDS of people stayed at home, including children and staff from around 250 schools, as snow and ice brought much of West Yorkshire to a standstill.

Buses got stuck in the snow and services were delayed or cancelled altogether as council gritters and ploughs fought to keep main roads open with dwindling supplies of salt.

In Huddersfield, the council said yesterday that it had enough grit for only one more day and was awaiting further deliveries.

Councillor David Sheard, cabinet member for highways and transportation on Kirklees Council, said: “We are doing our best to keep the priority routes open against what are proving to be relentless weather conditions, quite possibly the worst cold snap for two decades.”

In Wakefield the council decided to close non-essential services – including leisure centres, galleries, museums, recycling centres and libraries – from yesterday afternoon.

In Leeds, refuse collection crews turned up for work yesterday morning and attempted to empty bins but had to turn back for safety reasons. The council put them on gritting and snow-clearing duties.

The cold snap is also thought to have caused several water mains to burst. Major traffic delays were caused by a burst main on the A65 Otley Road in Guiseley, Leeds.

A number of shops in Leeds closed early to allow staff to get home.

There was also disruption to train services as well as flights at Leeds Bradford Airport, which reopened at 1pm. In Calderdale bus services were suspended for a time.

People were urged by the health authorities and by councils to check up on vulnerable friends and neighbours.

It is feared that some elderly people will be stuck at home, unable to shop or go to the chemist for medication.

Huddersfield councillor Molly Walton said: “Although some elderly people are known to social care services and health services, many elderly, infirm people living on their own may need help in clearing drives and getting food.”