Severe weather warning for London
Thirty-four schools closed in Hounslow
Six schools closed in Richmond
Rubbish collections cancelled in Richmond
Reduced services on South West Trains
Hundreds of children got the day off school again today as freezing conditions continued to cause chaos across west London.
Headteachers at 34 schools in Hounslow and six in Richmond decided to keep their doors closed.
Three children’s centres in Hounslow were also shut, and Hounslow Council was unable to provide its transport for youngsters at special schools and day centres.
A spokesman said: “This is due to a combination of the risk of collecting and moving people on ungritted side streets, and the possibility of further snow later which could result in severe delays and difficulties getting people home.
“This was a difficult decision to make and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Feltham social services was closed, and Chiswick social services was only dealing with emergencies.
Rubbish and recycling collections have been disrupted due to icy roads in Hounslow, and were cancelled in Richmond until further notice.
Councillor Geoff Acton, cabinet member for environment at Richmond Council, said: "We want to get it back to normal as soon as possible.
“We are very sorry for any inconvience caused but hope people will understand.
"We are asking people to leave their stuff as normal and hopefully we will get the service back to normal as quickly as we can."
Richmond Council said it had up to three months worth of grit available, and has been able to supply 100 tonnes to Camden and 200 tonnes to Enfield, after fears the two boroughs were about to run out.
Councillor Serge Lourie, leader of Richmond Council, said: "I'd like to publicly thank staff for trying to keeps the roads open in difficult circumstances.
"We're working with the London boroughs to ensure that their roads remain cleared.”
The borough’s meals on wheels service has been running as normal, and its four day centres have remained open.
The Met Office issued a severe weather warning for snow in London.
Gritters were out in Hounslow through the night, and have been focusing on pavements near bus stops, schools, day centres, hospitals, and other high priority areas.
The council urged residents to check on vulnerable neighbours who may suffer in the cold, and to carry an emergency kit if driving, containing items such as water, torch, blanket, spade, warm clothes and food that does not need cooking.
Richmond Age Concern urged people to look out for vulnerable older neighbours, family members and friends.
Sandra Morrison, chief executive, said: “We are concerned about the impact of the wintry conditions on frail older people who are living alone or on fixed incomes, who may be at greatest risk.
"We ask that you look out for an older neighbour who may not be able to brave the slippery ice to get food and essentials.”
Train services continue to face disruption as a result of the snow and ice.
South West Trains was operating a reduced service today, with trains subject to delays, cancellations and short notice alterations. Many services to and from Waterloo had fewer carriages.
From tomorrow, SWT expects to run a normal timetable, although this is could change should conditions worsen.
Commuters are advised to check services are running before leaving home or work.
Some residents complained about a lack of post but Royal Mail confirmed any disruptions were to isolated areas.
A spokesman said there was no problem at the Jubilee Mail Centre, in Hounslow, and most residents were receiving mail.
He added: "In all areas there will be invidual streets that do cause problems, particularly those on a hill.
"Deliveries may be going on normally to everyone but on some streets it may not be possible to get a van or postman or woman down."
Schools closed in Hounslow today were: Alexandra Infant, Alexandra Junior, Andrew Ewing, Beavers, Bedfont Primary, Berkeley Primary, Blue School, Cardinal Road, Edward Pauling, Fairholme, Feltham Hill Infant & Nursery, Feltham Hill Junior, Forge Lane Primary, Marlborough, Our Lady & St John Primary, Rosary Primary, St Lawrence, St Micheal & St Martin’s Primary, Smallberry Green Primary, Southville Infant, Southville Junior, Sparrow Farm Infant, Sparrow Farm Junior, Springwell Infant & Nursery, Springwell Junior, Victoria, Heston Community School, Feltham Community College open for 6th Form and Year 11 only, Lindon Bennett, Marjory Kinnon, Oaklands, Cedars, Woodbridge Park and the Interim Education Centre.
Children’s centres closed in Hounslow today were: Bedfont, Heston and Norwood Green.
Schools closed in Richmond today were: Grey Court School, Orelans Park School, Teddington School, St Richard's with St Andrew's CE primary school, The Vineyard School and St Johns School.
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