Snow hits the borough

A day off for many students as the heaviest snowfall for seven years covers the borough in the white stuff

HEAVY snow cancelled events and brought travel disruption to Hinckley.

Following days of warnings, the white stuff finally began to fall early on Sunday morning and continued on and off for much of the day.

A fun run organised by Hinckley BID was axed due to the snow - although a snowman contest was organised instead (see below).

Driving conditions were difficult and the M69 was reduced to one lane at times.

Market Bosworth Police warned that drivers were getting stuck on even slight hills and urged people to stay home unless they were driving an appropriate vehicle.

They said:” If you have to go out make sure it is necessary. Cars are getting stuck on the slightest of inclines.

“Suggest that unless you have the appropriate vehicle you stay at home sit in front of the fire. If you get stuck you are likely to remain stuck.

“Car at Cadeby has at least a five hour wait for his recovery.”

At East Midlands Airport passengers faced delays after the runway was closed until the afternoon.

Large scale disruption was also reported at Birmingham International Airport.

Hinckley BID cancelled the Festive Fun Run saying: “Disappointing news, but due to the weather and ground conditions, the organisers have reluctantly decided that FOR SAFETY REASONS THIS EVENT HAS TO BE CANCELLED.

“Thank you to all 227 pre-registered entrants.

“We wish you and your families a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year. HBBC & Hinckley BID Teams.”

As well as the festive fun run, a civic carol service in Ratby also fell victim to the weather.

Due to take place on the Sunday afternoon, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council apologised for any inconvenience caused.

The Met Office upgraded a yellow weather warning for the area to an amber warning meaning travel plans, events and daily life could be disrupted and that the weather could even pose a risk to life or property.

The snow caused travel disruption on Monday and forced a number of schools to close.

Barlestone Church Of England Primary School, Barwell C Of E Academy, Barwell Infant School, Battling Brook Community Primary School, Hinckley Bosworth Academy, Desford, Cosby Primary School, Croft Church Of England Primary School, Dove Bank Primary School, Nailstone, Hallbrook Primary School, Broughton Astley, Hastings High School, Burbage, Hinckley Heath Lane Academy, Earl Shilton, Hinckley Academy and John Cleveland Sixth Form Centre, Richmond Primary School, Hinckley, Sketchley Hill Menphys Nursery, St Margaret’s Church Of England Primary School, Stoke Golding, St Peter’s CE Primary Academy, Market Bosworth, Thomas Estley Community College, Broughton Astley, Townlands Church Of England Primary School, Earl Shilton and Westfield Junior School, Hinckley.