Derbyshire recovers from perils of a couple of inches of snow

DERBYSHIRE was returning to normal yesterday after the first significant snowfall of the winter on Monday.

Road accidents were few and far between across the county.

Above, this picture of snow falling on the A52 near Brailsford was taken by Rod Kirkpatrick. Above right, Dave Miller, of Chaddesden, snapped these young deer sheltering behind a tree at Calke Abbey. Right: Rick Manning, of Hognaston, photographed a wintry Carsington Water.
Top, Chris Cole, of Wirksworth, took this picture of trains in the snow. Above, Jennifer Lumbard, of Turnditch, took this photo of the River Ecclesbourne.

Only three flights from East Midlands Airport were delayed and one was cancelled.

Most of the snow had been cleared by yesterday and flights were operating as normal.

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There was some criticism of the decision by four schools to close in the early afternoon.

Some said they had made their decisions based on weather forecasts for heavy snow.

Rosemary Mackenzie, head teacher at Alfreton Park Community Special School, said she acted out of concern for student safety.

She said: "The weather forecast said there was going to be lots of heavy snow and we wanted to get them home safely.

"Closing at 1.30pm enabled the taxis to come and collect the children, many of whom live quite far out.

"Our decision was based on the forecast and I'm glad we made the decision as it's always better to ensure our student are safe and get home safely."

A spokesman for the Royal Derby Hospital said it was operating "as usual" despite the flurries.

Residents in Oakwood took to the streets to ensure their roads stayed clear as part of the Winter Welfare Scheme, set up in 2011.

Councillor Mick Barker. who launched the scheme, said people in the suburb had been proactive in spreading grit on the roads.

He said: "About 80 people have been involved in the past two years.

"When I was driving around Oakwood on Monday, road junctions and pavements were clear.

"There was a sharp frost overnight but I've not heard of any problems in the area."

The Met Office has issued a "yellow warning" for light snow on Friday.

Ranjit Banwait, neighbourhoods and Streetpride cabinet member at the city council, said he did not envisage any problems with gritting.

He said: "We have made major improvements with gritting after the problems we saw a few years ago."