Schools close in snowstorm (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Schools close in snowstorm

SCHOOLS across the Cotswolds were closed yesterday as early-morning snow caused traffic problems throughout the area.

Among the worst hit roads were the A44 at Fish Hill, the A436 from Andoversford to Bourton, and Stanway Hill.

The high schools in Winchcombe and Chipping Campden both closed their gates for the day, as did many primary schools.

Among those giving youngsters a day off were St David's in Moreton, St Catherine's and St James', both in Campden, Ebrington, Temple Guiting and Swell.

Bob Forster, head teacher of St David's, said he decided not to open because many of his teachers could not make it to work from their homes in Cheltenham. "The parents did not have any problems because they live locally but many of our members of staff have a long way to drive and were forced to turn back before they arrived."

Campden School head teacher Jeff Price said the conditions had forced him to make a snap decision to send his 1,100 pupils home. "The bus company had said everything was fine at 7am so we had gone ahead," he said. "But I started hearing that cars could not get up Fish Hill or the road from Shipston or through Winchcombe and buses were stuck in the snow outside the school and could not get into the car park."

Gloucestershire County Council highways maintenance manager Mark Dauncey said the county's fleet of gritters had been at work last night. "Most main routes in the county were passable with care," he added.

However, Cotswold District Council leader Julie Girling said she was not satisfied with the county's performance. "I'm getting a huge number of people complaining about the county's gritting schedule.

"They should give it more priority and grit the routes that lead to schools."