ad

Heavy snow causes chaos across Wrexham and Flintshire

Published date: 22 March 2013 |
Published by: Staff Reporters
Read more articles by Staff Reporters


 

THE region came to a standstill as up to 20 inches of unseasonal snow hit North Wales.

The extremity of the weather took the region by surprise with schools and businesses shut, motorists stranded, and householders hit by power cuts from Friday morning.

Wrexham Maelor hospital was also closed to outpatient admissions on Friday.
Robin Thwaytes, forecaster at the Met Office, said the weather was “extremely unseasonal”.

Between 10cm and 20cm of snow had fallen between Thursday night and Friday morning.

“It has been exacerbated by quite a strong wind blowing it about,” he said, “Up on the higher ground there could be close to 40cm in some areas.”

Motorists were forced to abandon their cars across the town including in Gwersyllt and Tanyfron, and fallen trees blocked the main roads through Bersham and Glyn Ceiriog.

The A483 trunk road north of Wrexham, around Coedpoeth, was closed after a lorry jack-knifed.

Traffic on the same road south of the town slowed to a crawl, with only single lanes of dual carriageway clear, and short journey times extending to hours.

The A548 between Flint and Sealand was also closed in both directions due to bad conditions, as was the Horseshoe Pass near Llangollen.

Hundreds of people were hit by power cuts in areas such as Rhostyllen, Ruabon and Cefn Mawr from about 7.45pm.

A spokesman for Scottish Power said on Friday: “It is difficult to be precise about numbers because there are pockets of customers affected throughout the area.

“But we are talking about a few hundred people affected, mainly due to lines coming down, in some cases because of trees falling on them.

“We have been geared up for this and our engineers are working at the various sites to get our customers back up and running.”

63 schools across the county borough were closed with only Borras Park Infants, Hafod Y Wern and Victoria Primary Schools remaining open.

Yale College and Glyndwr University also shut their doors.

Arriva and GHA Coaches suspended all their bus services in Wrexham.

Trains through Wrexham General were hit with delays of more than an hour after trees fell on the line between Shrewsbury and Chester stations.
Wrexham Council's gritters were out since 6pm on Thursday.

And all bin collection services were cancelled with workers redeployed to help clear the roads.

The town's libraries were all closed although leisure centres remained open.
Police deployed additional resources to cope with demand.

You must be a registered user to leave a comment. Register or login here.

  1. Posted by: penycae boy at 19:11 on 22 March 2013 Report

    no gritters in penycae again

  2. Posted by: Wolves at 05:39 on 23 March 2013 Report

    I think wrexham council have a lot to answer for as the way they delt with the adverse weather . I work for a company in the area an we were warned about the weather around Tuesday .what are we paying our council tax for as they have made a right hash of things yet again .micky mouse could do a better job

  3. Posted by: Wolves at 07:46 on 23 March 2013 Report

    The recon gritters were out from 6pm Thursday a can tell that they may have been but I passed two on my way to work at around 8pm and I can tell you they were not putting any grit down but council will lie there way out of it yet again

  4. Posted by: Kie1976 at 09:44 on 23 March 2013 Report

    The road in Flint haven't been touched by the gritters, the council need to pull their finger out and get something done, I can't go shopping or go anywhere as the roads are covered with about 6 inches of snow and the cars I have seen are sliding all over the place, I have problems walking so can't even walk to the shops which are about a mile away

  5. Posted by: pullyourselvestogether at 11:02 on 23 March 2013 Report

    Just how deep does snow have to get before people understand that all the gritting and ploughing in the world can't keep roads clear in heavy snow? There's two foot of the stuff outside! Sprinkling magic fairy dust out of the back of lorries won't touch it! Crews have been working flat out. If those suggesting gritters have not been out have stood at the roadside for the past 36hrs keeping an eye out, fair enough. If you haven't then you have no basis for your comments.

  6. Posted by: Gizzardcatt at 14:25 on 23 March 2013 Report

    No a single gritter in Connahs Quay, Flintshire County Council may have some sort of policy regarding gritting in spring/end of March, not sure, but either way its chaos on the roads, its been a real lets down for the residents to be honest. But we must remember to pay our council tax or we are going to jail!! I will be submitting a complaint to the council

  7. Posted by: Gizzardcatt at 15:21 on 23 March 2013 Report

    No a single gritter in Connahs Quay, Flintshire County Council may have some sort of policy regarding gritting in spring/end of March, not sure, but either way its chaos on the roads, its been a real lets down for the residents to be honest. But we must remember to pay our council tax or we are going to jail!! I will be submitting a complaint to the council

  8. Posted by: teabags at 16:57 on 23 March 2013 Report

    yet again, an article focusing soley on wrexham and not a single mention of flintshire. may i remind you where your head office is based? I am outside mold and was without power for almost 24 hours, as were neighbouring villages. Mold, Holywell and Llanferres - in particular - have been on the BBC news, yet our own "local" newspaper cannot even give anywhere outside their beloved wrexham a mention!

  9. Posted by: teabags at 17:09 on 23 March 2013 Report

    yet again, an article focusing soley on wrexham and not a single mention of flintshire. may i remind you where your head office is based? I am outside mold and was without power for almost 24 hours, as were neighbouring villages. Mold, Holywell and Llanferres - in particular - have been on the BBC news, yet our own "local" newspaper cannot even give anywhere outside their beloved wrexham a mention!

  10. Posted by: godfather at 21:21 on 23 March 2013 Report

    just replying to the person who mentioned "all the ploughing and gritting in world cannot keep the roads clear in heavy snow" If you travel to any of the alps in Europe the roads are clear because they plough the roads consistently and specially in a down fall it's a bit like cutting the grass if you leave it to long it gets overgrown. I do not understand our country we have had snow for century's and still cannot get a grip with it.

  11. Posted by: pullyourselvestogether at 21:28 on 23 March 2013 Report

    You cannot possibly be comparing the ploughing operations of economies that rely on winter sports to an overcrowded country that sees snow only a few times per year? Counties like flinshire and Wrexham have hundreds of miles of roads and maybe only 10-15 ploughs a piece! If you're happy to pay more to increase the fleet, feel free!

  12. Posted by: alidyl73 at 23:28 on 23 March 2013 Report

    @pullyourselves together, you seem to think we are getting a good deal this winter? What planet are you on? So far I have not seen a gritter, a Council vehicle of any kind. We cannot move a vehicle off our estate, we have no chance of getting to an A road! We pay our Community charge and so far very poor service, a hefty snowfall and Flintshire grinds to a halt!

  13. Posted by: Lindopski at 05:47 on 24 March 2013 Report

    Have to be fair here folks, the gritters were out on Thursday in Connahs Quay, I know as I was splatted by one twice as it drove up and down Golftyn late evening time. In this snow though grit dont do ... owt ;)

  14. Posted by: pullyourselvestogether at 08:13 on 24 March 2013 Report

    Alidyl73, I'm simply countering the notion that gritting teams are tucked up in bed and lorries stowed in depot. This is simply not true and unless you've sat permanently at the roadside waiting for a gritter, not "seeing" one proves nothing. Weve just had the heaviest snow in 30 years and all winter maintenance vehicles have been out none stop. They may not have the resources to adequately clear snow quickly but this is very different to the "they're doing nothing" hysteria.

  15. Posted by: pullyourselvestogether at 08:18 on 24 March 2013 Report

    Let's not beat about the bush here; the reason people complain about lack of council action is because they see a snow covered road. It's an incorrectly and widely held assumption that salt prevents snow settling. I'm afraid both scientifically and provably, this is not the case. Put some salt on your driveway next time it snows and see what happens.....

  16. Posted by: jenia at 10:41 on 24 March 2013 Report

    stop whingeing!.You live in wales ,expect bad weather,stop blaming every body,get a grip. pathetic.

 

Local Business Offers & Promotions

  • Don't get caught out this winter!

    Swansway Accident Repair Centre, Wrexham will honour a minimum £50 insurance excess contribution for any vehicle repaire required by Swansway, Wrexham from no until the 31st December 2013.

    Valid Until: Tuesday, 31 Dec 2013

    Print
  • People’s Market

    Wrexham Town Centre Stalls ranging from 21 sq.m / 230 sq.ft to 53 sq.m / 571 sq.ft The ground floor of the People’s Market comprises two glazed atrium entrances off Chester Street housing a number of shops and leading into the main market hall. This houses 55 individual market stalls, 29 of which line the perimeter and 26 of which comprise island stalls. Businesses within the market complex include confectioners, clothing retailers; perfumes and cosmetics; Welsh shop; second hand furniture retailer; optician and music and nostalgia retailer. A car park is situated above the ground floor market area, which provides 450 car parking spaces. Attractive incentives and concessionary rents are currently being offered to new traders, whether a new business start-up or an established market trader new to the area. Concessionary rents are made available during the initial twelve months of occupation.

    Valid Until: Friday, 07 Mar 2014

    Terms: Terms & Conditions Tenure Occupation of the property will be by way of the Council’s standard Periodic Business Tenancy Agreement. Alternatives to the Standard Periodic Business Tenancy Agreement are also available to allow prospective tenants flexibility when looking to occupy the market when either relocating or starting a new business. Rent Ranging from £284.93 to £575.58 per calendar month exclusive payable monthly in advance by direct debit. Service Charge Ranging from £117.93 to £293.19 per month exclusive payable monthly in advance by direct debit. Service charge is in respect of charges incurred by the Landlord in providing services to the common parts of the market. This is subject to a review on the 1 April of each year. Business Rates The tenant will be responsible for the payment of business rates. Details are available directly from the Business Rates department on 01978 292030. Advice on the availability of Small Business Rates Relief will also be availabl

  • Wheatsheaf Workshops

    Wheatsheaf Workshops comprise of a variety of accommodation in a well established two storey complex, ideal for small business use. They are located in a quiet area on the outskirts of Wrexham within close proximity of the Aqueduct World Heritage site at Froncysyllte. The Workshops are approximately 8 miles south west of Wrexham Town Centre, with good communications via the A483 providing excellent access to the national motorway network. Key Features of the Property • On-site parking • Fire & security alarm • Mobile patrolled security • ICT and Telephone links

    Valid Until: Friday, 07 Mar 2014

    Terms: Terms & Conditions Tenure Occupation of the property will be by way of the Council’s standard Periodic Business Tenancy. Rent Ranging from £420.00 to £2,600.00 per annum exclusive + VAT payable monthly in advance by direct debit. Service Charge Ranging from £198.61 to £882.69 per annum exclusive + VAT payable monthly in advance by direct debit. Service charge is in respect of charges incurred by the Landlord in providing various services at the estate. In this instance; exterior and communal area repair & maintenance, water, cleaning of communal areas, security charges & waste removal. Business Rates The tenant will be responsible for the payment of business rates. Details are available directly from the Business Rates department on 01978 292030. Insurance The Council will insure the building for its full reinstatement cost against damage by fire and/or specified perils and the tenant will be re-charged directly on an annual basis. The tenant will be responsible for in

  • Free Family Law Drop In

    Free Family Law drop in service every Thursday between 9am-12pm, providing a no strings attached 15 minute consultation with a Family Law Specialist.

    Valid Until: Friday, 11 Apr 2014

    Voucher Code: Every Thursday 9-12

    Terms: Please call 01244 312166 to book an appointment with Family Law secretary Lesley Jones.

  • £10 SPA VOUCHER

    £10 voucher towards use of our exclusive new luxury spa facilities.

    Valid Until: Sunday, 30 Jun 2013

    Terms: Can not be redeemed for cash. Expires 30th June, 2013. One voucher per person. Not to be used in conjuction with any other offer.

    Print
  • ONE DAY FOOTBALL SESSION FREE

    One day free football coaching session when you intruduce a friend.

    Valid Until: Friday, 30 Aug 2013

    Terms: All sessions held at Monkmoor Recreation Ground, Shrewsbury.

    Print
  • Car Of The Week

    03 03 LAND ROVER FREELANDER TD4 SERENGETI 5 door in maroon metallic with only 28,444 miles, full service history, one local owner, in fantastic condition, new tyres, CD plater, air con £4995

    Valid Until: Wednesday, 04 Sep 2013

  • Long Established Company

    We are a professional company who won't let you down. Call us for more details

    Valid Until: Wednesday, 04 Sep 2013

    Print
  • 25% Off Ink Cartirdges

    25% off Ink Cartidges on production of advert only.

    Valid Until: Wednesday, 31 Jul 2013

    Terms: Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer ends 31st July, 2013

    Print
  • £50 off completion of first job

    £50 off completion of first job plus £30 Voucher of customer's choice on completion of recommendation work

    Valid Until: Sunday, 30 Jun 2013

    Terms: Tems and Conditions Apply

    Print

View all offers & promotions

Featured Businesses

View all adverts