Big freeze sees schools close and travel disrupted

The ongoing freezing conditions are continuing to cause disruption across the north-west of England, with commuters facing treacherous roads and severe delays on public transport.

A number of schools are also closed in Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire and Cheshire.

On the Metrolink tram network in Greater Manchester there are severe delays on the Manchester Airport, Rochdale and Didsbury lines.

Northern Rail has also confirmed no services would be stopping at Gathurst station near Wigan due to flooding.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said it had been gritting bus stations and interchanges.

It also said it had been running trams overnight to try to keep power lines clear of frost.

The icy conditions have still caused serious delays though, and TfGM said affected passengers could use their tickets on local buses.

In Stockport, Bramhall High School said: "Regrettably, we are unable to open today despite the amazing efforts of our site team since 4.00 GMT.

"Large swathes of ice dominate the site and it is simply not safe."

Lymm High School in Warrington, Cheshire, said it had been force to cancel students' collection of A-Level certificates.

It said: "There is simply too much thick ice, including a lot of black ice, all around the site."

Emma Shaw, head teacher of Macclesfield College and Park Lane Special School, said both sites were "dangerously icy" and would be closed.

Higher Bebington Junior School in Wirral announced it was closing for similar reasons, while in Lancashire more than 20 schools across Pendle, Rossington, the Ribble Valley and Hyndburn are closed.

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