The big chill brings county to a standstill (From Western Telegraph)

The big chill brings county to a standstill

Parts of Pembrokeshire almost came to a standstill on Friday afternoon as the heaviest snowfall for many years brought traffic chaos

A total of 46 schools were shut and many people were allowed to leave work early as a blanket of snow fell.

But with several roads closed and others difficult to negotiate there was gridlock in some towns. Some motorists took up to three hours to get home, others had to abandon their cars and walk.

In Haverfordwest police closed off High Street and Merlins Hill. Motorists had to go via Trafalgar Road, and there was praise for a group of youngsters from the area who helped people out when they got stuck.

Said Greg England, a county council employee: "One minute they having an snowball fight, the next they realised people were in difficulty and they helped out, pushing cars and stopping traffic so vehicles could get past safely.

"They deserve some praise. Without them people would have had to abandon their cars and walk home."

There were several minor road accidents, particularly in the north of the county, and some tumbles as people slipped on uncleared pavements.

Pembrokeshire County Council had 14 gritting lorries on continuous patrol to salt the roads. They battled to keep all main roads clear and they ensured that there was access to Withybush Hospital and the accident and emergency department.

Police kept all freight traffic coming off the Fishguard ferry at the harbour on Saturday morning, while traffic heading for Fishguard was held at Pont Abraham until the gritters and JCBs could get on to A40 to clear the highway.

Shifts of around 35 to 40 council staff worked through the night, and by Saturday morning all but a few minor roads were open.

Neighbouring Carmarthenshire had experienced heavy snowfall 48 hours previously. There, too, schools were closed, bus services cancelled and motorists advised to stay off the road.