Town shivers in grip of the ‘Beast’
THE ‘Beast from the East’ battered Rochdale this week – and forecasters are expecting more icy weather this weekend.
A total of 63 of the borough’s 68 schools, including every secondary, were closed on Thursday as temperatures plummeted to -4C.
Kentmere Primary in Smallbridge was among the schools forced to shut.
It tweeted: “For the health and safety of all our students and staff school will not be open today. We are concerned about travelling conditions and the possibility of further snow, the freezing temperatures and high winds. We apologise for the inconvenience caused.”
The entire Rochdale Metrolink line was also out of service on Thursday and the M62 was closed due to the icy conditions.
Huddersfield Road in Newhey between Rochdale Road, Ripponden Road, Delph Road and Oldham Road and Wildhouse Lane between Milnrow and Littleborough were also closed due to snow drifts of up to 4ft.
Rochdale council urged drivers to take care on the roads.
On Thursday morning the council tweeted: “Morning. Last night’s snow was heavier and more prolonged than forecast so although roads have been gritted, conditions this morning are still difficult out there. Please take extra care and avoid unnecessary journeys.”
Metrolink passengers were also left stranded on Thursday morning as the Rochdale line was closed.
“Due to severe weather conditions the Rochdale line is currently suspended,” Metrolink tweeted.
“Services are operating between Victoria and East Didsbury. Tickets are being accepted on 58, 59, 81, 83, 181,182 and Northern Rail services Rochdale Town Centre to Victoria. Apologies for any inconvenience.”
Bin collections were suspended on Thursday and six children’s centre also shut their doors as the town shivered in some of the coldest weather for years.
On Thursday the Met Office put out an amber weather warning which covered parts of Rochdale.
It said: “Frequent and occasionally heavy snow showers are expected to continue through much of Thursday leading to further significant accumulations with drifting. Delays and cancellations to all forms of transport are likely. Roads may become blocked by deep snow and some rural communities might become cut off. Interruptions to power supplies and other services such as telephone and mobile phone networks, could also occur.”