Freezing temperatures and snow blight Bolton - more to come say weather experts (From This Is Lancashire)

Freezing temperatures and snow blight Bolton - more to come say weather experts

6:50pm Tuesday 22nd December 2009

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Showers of sleet and snow affected Bolton today but the worst of it has gone... for now.

The ground temperature has been below freezing for much of the day, leading to the formation of ice on untreated surfaces in many areas.

Ice was covered by snowfall, making roads and pavements dangerous, causing chaos on the roads.

Experts are still warning people in Bolton to drive safely amid fears the current snow will also ice over.

They are urging residents to be careful when out walking and to only make a journey if absolutely necessary.

The Met Office says parts of Bolton may be hit by between two and five centimetres of snow today.

Higher ground can expect up to 10cm.

Workers across Bolton are being sent home - staff at the University of Bolton have been told to take the rest of the week off.

Some are working from home or making alternative arrangements, travelling to satellite offices closer to home.

Manchester Airport is operating with some delays and cancellations. There are also delays at Leeds Bradford Airport and at Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

Much of the problem is due to harsh weather across Europe and the East Coast of America affecting outbound flights in the UK.

Journey times by road are massively increased - a simple 25 minute journey between Bolton and Bury is taking up to three hours.

Some drivers are complaining about a lack of gritters. They say roads get worse when they enter the Bolton borough.

Richard Evans, aged 28, from Breightmet, said: "Travelling towards Bury from Breightmet isn't posing a problem, the traffic appears fine and the roads towards Bury are relatively clear but coming the other way, into Bolton, it is horrendous and it gets bad the moment drivers cross the border.

"What makes matters worse is the road island which was built earlier in the year just after the lights near Netto. It has been a major problem ever since it was built but with the snow on top, it is 10 times worse."

GMPTE is advising passengers of severe disruptions to bus and tram services caused by the prolonged level of snowfall. Most bus services are operating but are subject to severe delays. Bury, Oldham, Rochdale and Wigan are the worst affected areas. Several services have been suspended as a result of the road conditions, while some are serving main roads only. A full list of the services currently affected is available below and online at www.gmpte.com. This is subject to change and updates will be provided. Updates can also be found at www.stagecoachbus.com and www.firstgroup.com. Metrolink is operating a 12-minute service via Piccadilly on all lines, but there could be some delays to services. Rail passengers are advised to check www.nationalrail.co.uk for service updates before travelling.

The AA has experienced its busiest night for 25 years and it has said councils across the country should have acted 'sooner' and 'more thoroughly' to make roads safe.

Greater Manchester is also experiencing severe weather conditions and police are asking the public to only call 999 in an emergency, where there is a threat to life or a crime in progress.

Greater Manchester Police Superintendent Karan Lee said: “I would like to reassure the public that we will attend all emergencies however our response vehicles could also be hindered by the adverse weather conditions and it may take us a little longer to get you. “I would also ask that you seriously consider the need to contact the emergency services before dialling 999, ensuring that we can focus on the people who need us the most.”

Police are also advising people to only travel if their journey is absolutely necessary.

What do you think of the road conditions? Could more have been done or was the extra snowfall unexpected? Leave your comments below.

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