Bexhill: winter wonderland?

Ducks strolled across Egerton Park's pond and dog-walkers along the seafront faced biting winds as South East Coast Ambulance Service declared a "major incident".

About a third of schools were closed on Wednesday. Temperatures dropped to -4C during the night, freezing the layer of slush and prompting further closures yesterday (Thursday).

St Mary Magdalene's Catholic Primary and King Offa Primary were the last to remain open, though yesterday King Offa staff urged parents not to bring children in unless necessary, and said it was likely they would close today.

The constant flurries, which evolved from sleet to snow through the week, meant that a signpost near Crowhurst caught the eye of one reader, who sent in this photo.

Rother District Council was bombarded with more than 600 calls on Monday alone, as residents sought advice on emergency housing and waste collection, which was suspended yesterday due to "dangerous road conditions". A council spokesman asked residents to keep their bins out until collected.

East Sussex County Council sent out a fleet of 25 gritter lorries to cover around 800 miles of the county's roads, but cautioned: "No guarantee can be given that treated roads will always be completely clear. It takes time for the salt to become effective, and in severe cold weather even salt will not prevent roads from icing.

"We would ask that everyone takes time to check on vulnerable neighbours, particularly those cut off in rural areas."

While Hastings reported a grit-shortage, a spokesman for RDC said Bexhill had "a good amount of stock to be going on with", and efforts are focusing on car parks and around public buildings.

Chief Inspector Di Roskilly, of Sussex Police, said: "Do not assume that because one part of the road looks clear of snow and ice, this will be the case around the next bend. Black ice can look just like a wet road, so be sure to remain constantly alert to potential hazards and what's going on around you."

Though more snow is expected today, a brief lull is predicted over the weekend before a return of bad weather next week.

For information from RDC contact 01424 787000 or visit www.rother.gov.uk