Snow mayhem in Huddersfield and the Holme Valley

Feb 6 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Snow mayhem in Huddersfield and the Holme Valley

FURTHER snowfall brought more mayhem to Huddersfield.

Commuters were once again caught up in Arctic conditions yesterday as another 3cm of snow hit the town.

Buses to Holmfirth, Meltham, Stocksmoor and Golcar were among those cancelled as driving conditions worsened during the morning rush-hour.

In Meltham, two men had a lucky escape when their van overturned on Acre Lane, leaving the road blocked.

And a total of 33 schools were forced to close as rural areas were once again worst hit by blizzards.

Across Kirklees, an army of Council gritters helped alleviate problems by tackling major routes from dawn.

Roads leading to the town centre and motorways were kept snow-free with a team of gritting wagons and snow ploughs.

Mark Dobson, Kirklees Council’s unit manager for street care, urged the public to be patient as teams battled to reach other roads.

He said: “It is very difficult for the travelling public because they see roads not being gritted and don’t know what we are doing.

“We understand how everyone gets frustrated when the car they are driving is skidding.

“But please be reassured, we are trying our best.

“Our focus is the main arterial roads between the town centre and motorways.

“The high activity all week has meant we have been unable to make a serious impact on other roads and are unlikely to while snow continues.

“We would ask people to be patient and plan their journeys.”

While side roads remain blocked with frozen snow, many commuters have been choosing to walk or take the bus.