REFUSE collections in Wrexham and Flintshire were put on hold yesterday as council resources were poured into efforts to clear snow.

All collections were suspended.

Cllr David Bithell, Wrexham's lead member for environment and transport said: “The decision to suspend all refuse collections has been made due to the heavy snow fall in the county borough.

“All Streetscene resources will be made available for snow-clearing duties.”

Across the county, a number of council-run leisure centres shut, but the majority of libraries opened in the afternoon.

Waterworld and Queensway leisure centres were open as normal, but Plas Madoc leisure centre was shut, because the car park was judged to be unsafe.

Sessions at facilities in Rhosnesni, Clywedog and Chirk were all cancelled.

In Wrexham county borough just two schools, the Rofft School in Marford and Rhosddu CP, remained open.

Ceremonies at Pentrebychan crematorium went ahead as planned.

Across the county, some bus services were in operation with Arriva providing a limited service along main roads.

Three 4x4 vehicles were used by the council to transport carers to different parts of Wrexham.

Day centre visitors were urged to stay at home as arrangements were made to ensure vulnerable people had meals delivered to their houses.

Contact Wrexham, the council’s phone advice service, received a huge volume of calls.

In Flintshire all six leisure centres were open by 11am, while main libraries opened.

Wrexham Council confirmed all its football pitches will be closed this weekend.

Any queries should be directed to the football pitch booking office on 01978 364920.